Artwork
Gust of Wind at Étretat (Coup de vent à Étretat)
Gust of Wind at Étretat (Coup de vent à Étretat) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Eugène Delâtre. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1898, this print by Eugène Delâtre combines etching with aquatint on wove paper. It presents a storm‑tossed coastal scene at Étretat, where a sheer cliff dominates the background and a restless sea crashes onto the shore.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a towering cliff under a brooding sky, with turbulent waves that convey the power of the wind. Two small figures stand in the foreground, offering a sense of human scale against the natural forces at work.
Technique & Style
Delâtre’s use of aquatint allows for subtle tonal gradations, while the etched lines define the cliff’s texture and the frothing surf. The interplay of light and shadow creates atmospheric depth, reflecting the Impressionist interest in fleeting light effects.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the late nineteenth century, a period when French printmakers frequently explored coastal subjects. It remains documented as part of Delâtre’s output from the 1890s, though specific ownership records are limited.
Context
Étretat’s dramatic geology attracted many artists of the era, and Delâtre’s print joins a broader visual dialogue about the sea’s volatility. The piece illustrates the period’s fascination with natural drama and the transient qualities of weather.
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Artist & collection
