The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of May 30, 2026

Mont St. Michel

1982, printed 2012
(American, b. 1944)
Image: 19.4 x 25.1 cm (7 5/8 x 9 7/8 in.); Paper: 25.7 x 33 cm (10 1/8 x 13 in.)
Location: Not on view

Did You Know?

Mont Saint-Michel, built on a rock in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, is a medieval pilgrimage site dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

Description

William Clift, renowned for his architectural and landscape views, created an entire book of photographs of this tidal island in France capped by a medieval abbey which seems to float atop the rock. This illusion is enhanced when the island is cut off from the mainland during high tides. It is one of two monolithic sites that Clift has photographed repeatedly over four decades. The other is Shiprock in New Mexico (see 2025.266).
  • William Clift (the artist), Santa Fe, NM
  • {{cite web|title=Mont St. Michel|url=false|author=William Clift|year=1982, printed 2012|access-date=30 May 2026|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2025.265