Cliffs of Les Petites-Dalles 1880

Claude Monet captured the Cliffs of Les Petites-Dalles in oil paint, sometime around 1884. Here we see the northern coast of France through the eyes of a man who set out to challenge academic tradition. Monet and his fellow Impressionists turned away from the official Salons and state-sponsored art, developing an independent market for their work. They focused on modern subjects, like landscapes and leisure activities. Note how Monet applies loose brushstrokes to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere on the cliffs. He wasn't interested in accurately representing the scene, but in conveying his subjective experience of it. To really understand the context of this painting, consider the rising middle class in France at this time, who enjoyed leisure activities. This new social class formed a new art market, which encouraged artists like Monet to explore new subjects and styles. So, next time you look at an Impressionist landscape, remember that it's not just a pretty picture, but a product of a changing society and evolving art institutions.