La Senna 

Giovanni Boldini painted this scene of ‘La Senna’ with oil on canvas, using brushwork that is both precise and spontaneous. The materiality of paint is really important here. The thick application is used to capture the fleeting effects of light on water and foliage. You can almost feel the breeze and the dampness of the air. This en plein air approach was central to impressionist painting and its focus on representing the sensory experience of a scene. The loose brushstrokes create a sense of movement and energy. The artist suggests the texture of the boats, the ripples on the water, and the verdant landscape, using minimal detail. These were rapidly executed, making the painting efficient and marketable. This emphasis on the direct experience and commercial viability blurs the lines between the artist's studio and the demands of the art market. By focusing on the materiality and context of the painting, we gain a deeper understanding of its aesthetic and cultural value.