Claude Monet – The Manneporte near Étretat Metropolitan Museum: part 3

The composition presents a monumental rock formation dominating the visual field. A substantial archway has been carved through this structure by the relentless action of water, creating a dramatic passage that frames a distant horizon line. The artist positioned the viewer at a relatively low vantage point, emphasizing the sheer scale and imposing presence of the natural feature.
The color palette is restrained, primarily consisting of muted earth tones – grays, browns, and ochres – interspersed with subtle hints of pink and orange along the rock’s upper reaches. These warmer hues suggest geological strata or mineral deposits within the stone. The water displays a range of blues and greens, reflecting both the sky above and the vegetation at the shoreline. A pervasive atmospheric haze softens the edges of forms and reduces contrast, contributing to an overall sense of distance and tranquility.
Brushwork is loose and expressive; short, broken strokes build up texture and capture the play of light across surfaces. The artist seems less concerned with precise representation than with conveying a sensory impression – the feel of damp stone, the coolness of the sea air, the vastness of the landscape.
The painting evokes themes of time and erosion. The archway itself is a testament to the power of natural forces, suggesting an ongoing process of transformation. The muted colors and hazy atmosphere contribute to a sense of melancholy or contemplation, hinting at the impermanence of all things. While the scene appears serene on the surface, theres an underlying tension between the solidity of the rock and the relentless movement of the water that has shaped it. It is not merely a depiction of a place; rather, it’s an exploration of nature’s enduring power and its effect on human perception.