Plougastel, le passage à l’embouchure de la rivière de Landerneau c. 1870 - 1873

Eugène Boudin created this watercolor painting, entitled “Plougastel, le passage à l’embouchure de la rivière de Landerneau,” at an unknown date. It depicts a coastal scene in Plougastel, a region of Brittany in northwestern France. Boudin was one of the first French artists to paint seascapes en plein air, directly from observation. He gained recognition for his ability to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere on the water. But Boudin’s seascapes weren’t merely about nature; they were also about modern life. In the mid-19th century, the rise of tourism transformed coastal towns like Plougastel. Aristocrats and members of the bourgeoisie flocked to the seaside for leisure, forever altering the local economy. Historians of art can research visitor books, advertisements, and tourist guides from the period to find out more about the social context and historical significance of artworks like this one. Art reflects society just as society shapes art.