The Manneporte
- Original dimensions
- 81.3 x 65.4 cm
- Museum
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Year
- 1883
Scene depicted
This painting tells the story of a frozen moment where the natural statue of the maritime arch and the majestic cliffs meet in a delicate dialogue between land and sea. The canvas immortalizes the serene beauty of the Normandy coast, offering everyone a passage to contemplation and peace.
Historical context
Year: 1883 |BRK| Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art |BRK| Dimensions: 81.3 x 65.4 cm
Place in the artist's career
La Manneporte stands as a significant milestone in Monet's career. In his quest for light and color, it follows other famous works such as Impression, Sunrise and The Water Lilies , revealing a technical evolution that captures both the fragility and power of nature.
Anecdote
“I only capture nature as it is, at every moment.” These are Monet's words, reflecting his inspiration during a misty morning on the beach of Étretat . It is in this enchanting place, bathed in sunlight and enveloped by the gentle whisper of the waves, that the genesis of La Manneporte was revealed.