Between 1883 and 1886, Claude Monet often stayed in Etretat, fascinated by the spectacular cliffs in this small port. He painted these breathtaking landscapes more than 80 times! Portraying these cliffs painted so often by the great artists was a challenge for Monet. He therefore explored new approaches and devoted several pictures to la Manneporte, the highest of Etretat’s cliffs. With its low angle view, the picture almost naturally portrays the cliff rising out of the sea, capturing the reflection of the sun in the water.
Admiring a sunset from the top of these cliffs is always something special and an endless source of wonder. An impressionist view of the world can also be enjoyed by those taking a trip out to sea. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Caen, Normandy, is exhibiting this painting – Étretat, la Manneporte, reflets sur l’eau.
I spent almost four hours on the top of the cliff overlooking the famous port painted by Monet. It was an incredible experience. The rocks and the sea changed colour as the sun began to set, going from white to yellow, from bright orange to pale pink. All of this would have been the same back in Monet’s day. I took this photo at the last moment, at the end of the day. I was really pleased with it…
Yasuhiro Ogawa
