Princess Pauline Metternich on the Beach c. 1865 - 1867

"Princess Pauline Metternich on the Beach" (c. 1865-1867) by Eugène Boudin depicts a woman in a flowing white dress with a red underskirt, standing on a beach. The figure of Princess Pauline Metternich dominates the composition, painted in a loose and impressionistic style. Boudin's interest in capturing the atmosphere of the outdoors is evident in the painting’s portrayal of the light and sky. The work is a fine example of Boudin's plein air style, where he captured the fleeting effects of light and weather in the natural world.