The ancient walled city of antibes is seen here across the bay possibly from nice in the early morning light the trees in the foreground offer a welcoming shade and seem to move in the light sea breeze monet was searching for new locations to paint and in 1888 the art dealer paul durand ruel suggested he visit antibes on the cote dazu many artist including picasso were drawn to the french riviera for its light but monet had doubts about his ability to depict its shimmering beauty