The Return of the Sailboat 

Ferdinand du Puigaudeau captured this evocative waterscape using oil paints on canvas, a common practice for painters of his era. But look closely, and you’ll see that this isn't just any painting. The way Puigaudeau applied the paint, in small dabs and strokes, gives the whole scene a shimmering, almost dreamlike quality. This technique, known as divisionism, was embraced by artists interested in scientific theories of color and perception. The overall effect is one of careful craftsmanship. The artist paid close attention to the way light reflects off the water and illuminates the landscape. We might consider how the sailboats themselves are also works of craft, built by skilled laborers, and fundamental to the local economy and culture. By emphasizing the labor involved not just in the painting, but also in the scene it depicts, Puigaudeau reminds us of the deep connections between art, craft, and everyday life. It challenges our conventional view of what constitutes 'high art'.