Le Pouldu, Woman on the Beach Beside a Fire 

Ferdinand du Puigaudeau painted this scene of Le Pouldu with oil on canvas. Here, the artist uses the traditional medium to capture a raw moment of working-class life. The grainy texture and earthy colors, achieved through layering and blending, create a sense of realism and depth, which speaks to the everyday toil and grind of the sitter's lives. Notice how the fire, rendered with broad strokes, isn't just a visual element, but a symbol of warmth and gathering. The subtle brushwork captures the rough textures of the cliff, garments and the sand underfoot. Puigaudeau’s engagement with the scene’s materiality and social context is evident in the composition, a reminder that art isn't just about aesthetics; it's about understanding the amount of work involved in the production process and the cultural traditions that shape the sitter's lives.