Beaulieu; The Bay of Fourmis 1892

Eugène Boudin painted "Beaulieu; The Bay of Fourmis" in the late 19th century. It captures a serene coastal scene, but to truly appreciate it, we need to consider the historical context in which Boudin was working. Boudin was instrumental in the development of French Impressionism. It was a time of rapid social change, where industrialization was challenging traditional ways of life. He, and other artists, turned to landscape painting to capture the fleeting moments of natural beauty, often focusing on scenes of leisure and recreation along the coast. This piece emphasizes the sensory experience of the landscape, through his interest in light and color. Look at the tranquility of the scene before you. Boudin presents an escape from the urban chaos, but we must also recognize the privilege inherent in such leisure. While offering an alternative narrative to the gritty realities of urban life, it also reflects a certain social class.