Promenade au bord de la mer (Rencontre des fiancés) 1928

Editor: Here we have "Promenade au bord de la mer (Rencontre des fiancés)", or "Promenade by the Sea (Meeting of the Engaged Couple)", an oil on canvas painted en plein-air by Andre Bauchant in 1928. I'm immediately struck by how dreamlike and idyllic the whole scene is, with these figures placed so carefully within the landscape. What catches your eye? Curator: You've hit upon something key there—dreamlike. For me, Bauchant captures that innocent, almost naive wonder we associate with the "folk art" tradition. The figures are rendered with such loving detail, and I feel as if the whole scene is something from a fondly-recalled memory, seen through a haze of pure joy. Do you get the sense they are in love? Editor: Absolutely, it's palpable, even though their expressions are fairly neutral. It's more in their posture, their closeness. There's a real intimacy here. The two in the light, they must be the titular couple... Do you think that intimacy has something to do with the rather unusual composition and use of landscape? It feels almost theatrical. Curator: I think you've nailed it – theatrical! The landscape isn't just a backdrop, it's almost a stage set, isn't it? It amplifies the intimacy by framing the couples, pulling them away from the vastness of the sea towards private contemplation. What appears at first glance to be simply 'naive' landscape painting is really quite cleverly constructed. It speaks to a deeper emotional narrative, I feel. Perhaps an invitation to re-examine how one views these individuals. Editor: That's fascinating. It makes me think differently about folk art in general, as a style… not just a style. Curator: Exactly! These types of painter’s insights come to us unexpectedly! Art, ultimately, is always much more than just meets the eye!