Artwork
Étretat, the Rock Needle and the Porte d'Aval

Étretat, the Rock Needle and the Porte d'Aval is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Claude Monet. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
About this work
Overview
Étretat, the Rock Needle and the Porte d'Aval is an oil painting depicting a serene seascape.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a prominent rock formation, surrounded by calm water and sky, evoking a sense of tranquility. The rock's central placement creates a focal point in the otherwise peaceful scene.
Technique & Style
The work showcases a characteristic use of color, with a light blue-green foreground, warm beige rock, and soft pale blue sky. Gentle brushstrokes capture the lapping waves and wispy clouds, contributing to the overall sense of serenity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1894, the painting is now held at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Artist & collection
Artist
Oscar-Claude Monet was born in Paris on November 14, 1840, and raised from the age of five in Le Havre, where he began selling charcoal caricatures as a teenager.














