Cliff near Dieppe 1882

Claude Monet’s 'Cliff near Dieppe' is a textural rendering in oils that captures a coastal scene dominated by cool tones. The composition is structured around a prominent cliff-face on the left, balancing the expansive sea and sky on the right. Notice how Monet employs visible brushstrokes, building up layers of paint to describe the geological features of the cliff. The scene is not merely representational, it's an exercise in how light and colour interact, and a semiotic system of signs to decode the motif of a cliff. The purple and blue hues across the rocks and water create an atmosphere that is both serene and dynamic. Monet's use of complementary colours and varied textures encourages us to consider how the painting blurs the lines between perception and representation. Consider how Monet used the formal elements of colour and texture to convey the sensation of a specific place and time, and to challenge the viewer's understanding of the natural world. The painting’s structure is a space for ongoing interpretation.