The Rock Needle and the Porte d'Aval 1886

Claude Monet painted 'The Rock Needle and the Porte d'Aval' to capture the rugged beauty of the French coastline. His work was created during a time of significant social change and industrial advancement. The painting invites us to consider the relationship between nature, identity and modernity. Monet, as part of the Impressionist movement, broke from traditional artistic norms to capture fleeting moments and the changing effects of light and atmosphere. His focus on the natural world, particularly landscapes, allowed him to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the human experience within the natural world. He once said: "I want to paint the way a bird sings". Through his subjective interpretation of the landscape, Monet encourages viewers to contemplate their own place within the larger world and reflect on the emotional connection between humanity and nature.