Cliffs and Sea, Sainte-Adresse c. 1864

Claude Monet made this drawing of Cliffs and Sea, Sainte-Adresse, using what appears to be graphite or charcoal on paper. The work’s appearance is heavily influenced by the very direct way in which the drawing material is applied to the page. We can see the substance of the graphite in the dense blacks and soft grays, as well as the texture of the paper beneath. Monet's marks capture the rocky cliffs, the boats at sea, and a skiff on the beach with remarkable economy. The relative ease and portability of drawing allowed Monet to quickly capture the scene on location. Yet the finished drawing feels complete, a testament to the inherent qualities of the materials, and Monet's mastery in using them. This prompts us to reconsider traditional notions of artistic skill and labor, moving beyond a simple dichotomy of fine art versus craft. Instead, we can appreciate the ways in which an artist like Monet engages with the world.