About the Artist
Henri-Edmond Cross was a French painter and a leading figure in the Neo-Impressionist movement. His innovative use of color and light, developed in close collaboration with contemporaries like Paul Signac, helped shape the evolution of modern art at the turn of the twentieth century. Cross is particularly known for his Mediterranean landscapes, where the region's intense sunlight inspired his signature technique and palette.
His works are often associated with the spirit of artistic experimentation and the search for new ways to capture natural beauty. For more from Cross and his peers, browse our famous artists collection.
The Artwork
Created in 1891, Calanque des Antibois reflects the fascination many artists of the era had with the French Riviera, a region that became synonymous with leisure and creative freedom. Cross painted this scene during a period when plein air painting was gaining popularity, allowing artists to directly observe and interpret the effects of sunlight and atmosphere along the Mediterranean coast.
This work captures a moment when the Riviera was transforming into a modern destination, attracting painters eager to explore new visual languages. The calanque, a rocky inlet typical of the region, serves as both subject and symbol of the interplay between nature and artistic vision. For those interested in maritime themes, discover more in our sea and ocean wall art selection.
Style & Characteristics
The painting is rendered in the Neo-Impressionist style, characterized by small, distinct touches of color that blend optically when viewed from a distance. Cool blues dominate the sparkling sea and distant horizon, while warm ochres, oranges, and sunlit yellows highlight the rocky shoreline and sun-drenched landscape. This careful balance of color creates a bright, luminous effect without strong shadows.
The composition is open and inviting, with gently overlapping forms that guide the viewer's gaze across the shoreline toward the tranquil water. The overall mood is serene and uplifting, evoking the restorative qualities of the Mediterranean coast.
In Interior Design
This coastal art print is ideal for interiors seeking a sense of lightness and calm, such as living rooms, bedrooms, or creative workspaces. It pairs beautifully with white or pale walls, natural woods, and linen fabrics, and can be complemented by accents in terracotta, ochre, or honeyed tones for a Riviera-inspired aesthetic.
For a harmonious look, combine it with other landscape art prints or coordinate with selections from our blue tones collection. This fine art print suits modern, Scandinavian, and Mediterranean-inspired spaces, offering a refined touch of color and tranquility.
