It was Henri Matisse who suggested to Manfred Schwartz that he go to Étretat for the light. The advice given from a more mature Matisse to the younger Schwartz proved to be of great artistic value. The small coastal town of Étretat in the north of France offered Manfred Schwartz fresh inspiration.

Elephant Cliff is a fine example of the art that Manfred Schwartz created in Étretat.
The original pastel offers a picturesque view of Étretat’s unique geological features.

Major museums including the Guggenheim and the Whitney have exhibited Manfred Schwartz’ paintings and drawings of Étretat.


About Pastels
Pastels originated in northern Italy in the 16th century. Pastels are sticks made of finely ground pigments and calcium carbonate, mixed with a binder, such as gum tragacanth. Pastel is usually drawn on paper that has a slightly textured surface. Artists have used pastels to create art since the days of Leonardo da Vinci. The brilliance of color in pastels is due to the reflection of light upon the facets of the ground powder.