“Les Caloges, Etretat” is a landscape artwork created by Henri Matisse in 1920. This painting captures the essence of the coastal scenery of Étretat, a commune on the coast of the Pays de Caux area in Normandy, France. Matisse is known for his use of color and his fluid and original draughtsmanship.
The artwork depicts a beach scene characterized by a series of dark, angular shapes that represent beached boats, with their hulls and masts constructing a rhythm of forms across the canvas. These boats are situated on a sandy shore, which is rendered in a pale, earthy tone that contrasts with the dark vessels. Human figures are sparsely scattered throughout the composition, appearing as simplified forms that interact subtly with the shapes of the boats and the environment around them.
In the background, the great cliffs of Etretat can be discerned, emerging in the upper left portion of the canvas. Their portrayal in muted greens and browns complements the overall color palette of the scene. Moreover, the sky is painted in a combination of light grays and blues, suggesting a cloudy or overcast day with hints of light breaking through the cloud cover. The sea itself is depicted with gentle variations of blue and green, integrating with the rest of the composition to create a harmonious depiction of this coastal landscape.
Matisse’s technique is evident in the loose, expressive brushstrokes that add a dynamic quality to the scene, capturing the atmosphere of the location rather than focusing on precise, realistic detail. The artwork encompasses the innovative approach that Matisse often employed, demonstrating his interest in conveying mood and emotion through color and form.
