Skip to main content

Creating Collective Memory

The Rocks of Belle-Ile

Item

Title

The Rocks of Belle-Ile

Description

Artwork by Claude Monet otherwise known as The Savage Coast. This is one of the five paintings that Monet produced of the Port-Domois islands. Like many of Monet's works, The Rocks of Belle-Ile was inspired by his fascination with the ocean and its surroundings. Located off the coast of Brittany in the English Channel, Belle-Ile is an island known for its rugged cliffs and dramatic coastal landscapes. During the summer of 1886, Monet visited Belle-Ile and was immediately captivated by the beautiful rugged coastal landscape surrounding the island. This specific painting within the series reflects Monet's fascination with the ocean and his "desire to capture its ever-changing moods and colors." Monet's take on the coastline of Belle-Ile skillfully depicts the interplay of light and shadow on the water as the powerful waves crash into the rocky coastline. His use of vibrant blues, greens, and whites conveys the awe-inspiring vastness, strength, and beauty of the ocean. The Rocks of Belle-Ile stands as a testament to Monet's deep connection with the ocean and his ability to translate its magnificence onto canvas for viewers to experience the same tranquility and power that he witnessed.

Date

1886

Medium

Oil on canvas.

Item sets