A la Plage 1920

"A la Plage," meaning "At the Beach," is a watercolor artwork created by the Belgian artist Mily Possoz. Born in 1888, Possoz lived through a transformative period marked by two World Wars and significant shifts in women's rights and social roles. This work offers an intimate glimpse into the leisure activities of women during the interwar period. We see a stylishly dressed woman, complete with hat and gloves, seemingly lost in a book as other figures stroll along the shoreline behind her. Possoz's choice of watercolor lends the scene an ethereal quality, softening the stark lines of social divisions. The focus on a woman's private moment of reading, rather than traditional domestic duties, suggests a subtle commentary on the evolving roles of women in society. It reflects a burgeoning sense of independence and intellectual engagement. Through this delicate medium, Possoz captures the quiet revolution unfolding in the lives of women. The painting invites us to reflect on the personal and social transformations of her time.