Created from high-quality wood, milled with simple clean lines and presented with a satin finish. Includes an off-white mount that will not discolour or fade with age. - Simple, elegant design - Premium, fine art paper with a gently textured surface - Handmade by specialist picture framers - FSC certified off-white mat / window mount - Delivered ready for hanging

"The Corniche near Monaco" by Claude Monet is a masterful work that captures the essence of the Mediterranean landscape with the impressionistic style that Monet is celebrated for. Painted in 1884, this oil on canvas measures approximately 25 x 32 inches and is noteworthy for its vivid depiction of the lush terrain and crystalline waters near Monaco.

The composition is largely dominated by a sweeping view of the rugged cliffside and azure sea. Monet’s characteristic short, brisk brush strokes are evident, particularly in the depiction of the foliage and the playful reflections of the sea. The scene is suffused with light, showcasing a bright, sunlit atmosphere that highlights the natural beauty of the Corniche.

The foliage appears wind-swept and lively, rendered in varying shades of green that suggest the lushness of the Mediterranean flora. The rock formations are painted in earthy tones, with patches of orange, ochre, and pink that hint at the impact of the intense southern light. The sea itself is a mesmerizing blend of blues and greens, dotted with white where the sunlight kisses the waves.

Monet’s use of color is particularly striking; it creates a vivid, almost palpable sense of the heat and brilliance of the Riviera. The sky, a canvas of cerulean blue with wisps of white clouds, stretches across the top of the painting, merging almost imperceptibly with the sea at the horizon.

Claude Monet (1840-1926) was a founding figure of the Impressionist movement, which was characterized by a focus on capturing the transient effects of light and color rather than detailed realism. "The Corniche near Monaco" exemplifies this by prioritizing the feeling of the scene over precise detail.

This painting dates from Monet’s travels along the Mediterranean coast in the early 1880s, a period during which he was particularly interested in the varied light and landscape of the region. This exploration allowed him to expand his palette and refine his understanding of light and atmosphere, further pushing the boundaries of his Impressionist technique.

"The Corniche near Monaco" is housed in the Princeton University Art Museum, New Jersey, USA. The museum’s collection is renowned for its range of impressionist artworks, and Monet's work is a valuable part of their esteemed collection.

Monet’s Mediterranean paintings are crucial in understanding the development of his later work. His experimentation with light and color in this series would go on to influence his world-famous later works such as the series of Water Lilies (Nymphéas) painted in his garden at Giverny.

One particularly noteworthy aspect of "The Corniche near Monaco" is Monet’s ability to evoke the sensory experience of the location. The play of sunlight on the water and the lush greenery almost invites the viewer to feel the warmth and breeze of the Mediterranean coast. Additionally, the painting reflects Monet's fascination with natural landscapes and his drive to capture their essence in momentary light and color.

This painting stands as a testament to Monet’s skill in transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary visions, maintaining his place as a pivotal figure in the history of art.