Cliffs on the North East Side of Point Lorenzo, Madeira John Sell Cotman (1782-1842)

The composition presents a dramatic coastal landscape dominated by imposing rock formations rising directly from the sea. The artist has chosen a viewpoint that emphasizes the scale and verticality of these cliffs, which appear almost monolithic in their presence. A broad expanse of water occupies much of the foreground, its surface rendered with loose brushstrokes suggesting movement and reflecting the muted light of the sky.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – ochres, browns, and creams – to depict the rock faces, contrasted against a cool blue-grey sky. Subtle gradations in tone suggest the play of sunlight across the cliffs, highlighting their texture and depth. The water’s surface picks up these colors, creating a sense of atmospheric unity.
Several small figures – likely goats – are scattered along the cliff tops and on a ledge near the foreground, providing a crucial element for scale and reinforcing the feeling of vastness. A flock of birds is visible in flight, adding dynamism to the scene and suggesting an untamed natural environment. The sky itself is rendered with swirling brushstrokes, hinting at atmospheric turbulence or impending weather.
Beyond the immediate foreground, a distant coastline can be discerned through a hazy atmosphere, further emphasizing the depth of field and contributing to the overall sense of grandeur.
Subtly, the painting conveys a feeling of isolation and the power of nature. The sheer size of the cliffs dwarfs any human presence, suggesting humanity’s insignificance in comparison to geological time and natural forces. Theres an underlying melancholy evoked by the muted colors and the starkness of the landscape; it is not a scene of idyllic beauty but one that speaks to the raw, untamed character of the environment. The artist seems interested less in portraying a picturesque view than in capturing the essence of this particular place – its ruggedness, its solitude, and its inherent drama.