"Rocky Coast," circa 1900, is a serene watercolor on paper by Robert Ford Gagen, measuring 9.5 x 13.8 inches. The artist's signature is subtly placed at the bottom right, marking his authorship of this tranquil seascape.

The work captures the rugged beauty of a coastal scene, where the immensity of the sea meets the enduring strength of the shore. Gagen’s palette is a symphony of soft blues, greens, and earth tones that harmonize to depict the wild, frothy ocean as it crashes against the steadfast rocks. The water's ebb and flow are skillfully suggested through the fluidity of the watercolor medium, giving life to the waves that swell and recede in a natural rhythm.

Foreground trees frame the vista, leading the viewer's gaze into the depth of the scene, and adding a sense of scale against the vastness of the ocean and sky. The foliage is rendered with a light touch, their details delicate against the solid forms of the rocks.

This painting is a testament to the enduring allure of the Canadian landscape, capturing a moment of both tranquility and motion. Gagen’s technique, with its washes of color and careful control of light, conveys not just a visual experience, but also the atmospheric presence of the seaside. It is a quiet homage to the rugged beauty of nature and the peaceful solitude one can find along the rocky coast.