The Return of the Fishing Boats 

Maxime Maufra created this painting, *The Return of the Fishing Boats*, using oil paints, likely on a linen canvas. Maufra lays down thick, expressive strokes that capture the movement of both the water and the sky, bringing the scene to life through his manipulation of the paint, focusing on its texture and its capacity to describe a scene that's as much about atmosphere as about activity. You can almost feel the dampness in the air. The boats themselves, dark silhouettes against the glimmering water, appear to be at the mercy of the elements, emphasizing the labor and risk inherent in fishing. Paint, here, is more than just a medium. It's a material that allows Maufra to engage with broader social and cultural narratives. It prompts us to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature, and the daily lives of the working class at the turn of the century. The making of this artwork involves not just artistic skill, but a deep engagement with the realities of life in a coastal community.