Purgatory Cliff

“Purgatory Cliff” by William Trost Richards depicts a dramatic coastal scene where waves crash against rugged, towering cliffs under a luminous, cloud-filled sky. The cool blue-green hues of the turbulent ocean contrast with the pale rocky outcroppings, capturing the raw power and beauty of the seashore. In the distance, a sailing ship navigates the open sea, dwarfed by the imposing cliffs and expansive sky. The painting emphasizes both the grandeur of nature and the smallness of human endeavors in its vastness, conveying a sense of isolation and awe inspired by the coastal landscape.