View of Anibes, 1888 by Claude Monet

The trees in the painting frame this distant view of the coastal town of Antibes. The blue of the sea and sky are so similar that they provide a backdrop against which to display the tree. It is the shape of the branches of the tree and its leaves that interests Monet.

Trees here are the highlight, its strong solid trunk and branches contrasting with the soft, almost translucent quality of the leaves. By placing the tree so prominently in the foreground, Monet e mphasizes the subtlety of the colors and light that surround the city. The solid structure of the tree makes Antibes dreamlike in contrast. It floats on the water in a wash of flesh, gold, and pink color that creates a haze around it. Thicker strokes and vibrant colors are used so that Antibes is not surrounded by the same mystical air.

A great deal of space on the canvas is given to the sky, which allows the tree to be highlighted and results in Antibes appearing small and delicate. This is one of four paintings of this composition, which forming a mini-series