Boats on the Beach at Étretat 1885

Claude Monet painted “Boats on the Beach at Étretat” with oil on canvas to capture the essence of the French coast. Monet was a key figure in the Impressionist movement, which emerged during a period of significant social change and industrial advancement in France. Monet’s choice of subject matter reflects the period's growing interest in depicting everyday life and the natural world. The painting features a fleet of boats resting on the shore, a scene marked by the ebb and flow of daily routines in a maritime community. The painting’s focus on labor and the tools of labor can be viewed through the lens of class. The artist’s use of light and color to evoke a fleeting moment aligns with the Impressionist focus on capturing subjective sensory experiences. Monet wasn't just painting boats; he was capturing a way of life. He prompts us to consider the relationship between people and their environment. What does this moment reveal about the cultural identity of a coastal community?