The Cliff at Étretat
1872
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1872
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
The Cliff at Étretat is a 1872 unspecified by Gustave Courbet, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This painting shows a rocky coastline with a huge natural arch in the center. Two small boats sit on the shore, and the water looks choppy. The sky is a mix of blue and gray, while the cliffs are dark and rough. The brushstrokes are thick and visible, giving the rocks texture. This style was used to show real details, not just smooth shapes. Look up impasto to see how artists use thick paint like this.
