The Coast at Fort Penthievre, Quiberon Peninsula 

Maxime Maufra painted 'The Coast at Fort Penthievre, Quiberon Peninsula' with oil on canvas, a hallmark of the Impressionist movement. But notice how Maufra applied the paint. It is laid on with clear attention to the texture and density that can be achieved with the material. The brushstrokes aren't just descriptive; they're expressive in their own right. The artist’s touch is visible everywhere, a reminder of the hand and the time involved in making the artwork. This approach elevates the status of labor, echoing the lives of the working class in the coastal region. The materiality of the paint and the visible brushwork serve as a connection between the artwork and the social context in which it was created. Understanding the material and process allows us to look beyond the surface, and connect with the rich layers of history and humanity embedded within this artwork.