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Edgar Degas, best known for his intimate capture of the world of dance and urban life, also ventured into quieter landscapes and scenes, as evidenced by his 1898 work "Houses at the Foot of a Cliff (Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme). This painting, though less celebrated than his works featuring dancers, reveals his mastery of observing light, atmosphere, and composition. In this work, Degas draws the viewer into a Mediterranean setting with a profound sensitivity.
The composition of the work is dominated by the interplay between the geometry of the houses and the organicity of the surrounding landscape. A series of houses in soft tones, mostly beige and acidic, are observed grouped at the foot of a cliff. The cliff stands imposingly in the background, built with dark tones that contrast with the luminosity of the human home. The diagonal perspective used in the arrangement of the houses, together with the hard lines of the cliff, creates a sense of stability and, at the same time, of vulnerability in the human settlement within such a powerful environment.
The use of colour in this work is remarkable. Degas applies a soft palette that evokes tranquillity and warmth, with touches of light illuminating the facades of the houses, reflecting the sunlight that shines on this coastal corner. The influence of natural light seems captured in an ephemeral moment; shadows and reflections bring to life the surface that is closest to the viewer. This treatment of colour is emblematic of the way the Impressionists approached their work, although Degas traditionally maintained links with realism and adopted a more structured technique compared to some of his contemporaries.
Unlike many other Impressionist works of the period, there are no marked human characters or scenes of everyday life here. This could be interpreted as a reflection on loneliness in modern life, a recurring theme in Degas's work. The absence of human figures highlights the relationship between the building and its surroundings, suggesting a quieter, more contemplative existence. In this sense, the painting becomes a visual refuge, where the viewer can observe and reflect on the interaction between civilization and nature.
The choice of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme as a setting is also significant. This seaside town, known for its history and natural beauty, was a place where many artists of the time ventured in search of inspiration. In Degas's work, the landscape becomes another character, shaping a narrative in which the human and the natural coexist, often in tension and dialogue.
In short, “Houses at the Foot of a Cliff” is a testament to Degas’ ability to capture the essence of the moment through his unique way of observing light and the composition of the landscape. Although his name is most associated with his explorations of movement and the human figure, this work stands out as an example of his versatility and his ability to find beauty in the simplicity of the environments that surround him. A piece that invites the viewer to stop, contemplate and reflect on the deep connection between man and his environment.
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