Landscape 

Eugène Boudin, a 19th-century French painter, captured this coastal scene with oil on canvas, a technique that allowed for a unique exploration of light and atmosphere. This painting reflects a growing interest in leisure and outdoor life among the middle class of the time, showing a beach scene with figures enjoying their time off. Boudin's work serves as a record of social change, documenting the rise of tourism and the democratization of leisure activities. It is a clear contrast to more traditional artwork that often depicts members of the aristocracy and other socially elevated figures. To fully understand Boudin's place in art history, we can look to exhibition records, reviews, and the writings of his contemporaries. By examining these sources, we gain insight into the cultural values and social forces that shaped both the artist and his work. This helps us see how artworks can be understood as a reflection of a specific time and place.