Historical Description:
A display of natural force and an astute study of movement, Monet creates an image that immerses the viewer in the tumultuous waves that he depicts. Revolutionary in style, Monet breaks from traditional modes of placement offering the viewer no sense of orientation, a perspectival technique he would latter perfect in his lily series.

"Claude Monet works before these rocky cathedrals at Port-Domois in the wind and the rain, necessarily clad like the men of the coast, covered in sweaters, boots, and wrapped in a hooded slicker. Sometimes a gust of wind will snatch his pallet and brushes from his hands. His easel is lashed down with ropes and stones. No mater, the painter holds his own and proceeds to his work as into battle. Human will and courage, artistic passion and sincerity - these are the qualities that characterize that fine family of landscape artists?" (Stuckey, 128).

The above quote captures the physical peril the artist was willing to risk in order to attain a desired aesthetic effect. Sharp protruding rocks and white crashing waves, infuse the image with a sense of friction that arises from the contrasting representation of immobility and fluidity.

One of only twenty five signed examples, this work was printed in 1908 in collaboration with the lithographer William Thornley who was introduced to Monet by Edgar Degas. This work is printed in green on off-white India appliqué on cream wove paper. This work is hand - signed by Claude Monet (1840-1926) in pencil in the lower left; also hand-signed in pencil by George Thorney in the lower right; printed by Belfond & Cie, Paris and marked by their blind stamp in the lower right.