Fishwomen Seated on the Beach at Berck 1878

Eugène Boudin painted “Fishwomen Seated on the Beach at Berck” during the latter half of the 19th century, a period of significant social and economic change in France. Here, Boudin turns his eye to the women of the French coast. In the 19th century, landscape painting was dominated by male figures; this intimate portrait of working-class women departs from the traditional art institution by depicting labor. The women are anonymous, yet individualized by their clothing and posture. We see the cultural identity of Northern France, which was largely shaped by its fishing industry. The scene is both picturesque and documentary, and the artist has carefully captured the light and atmosphere of the Channel coast. To fully understand this painting, we can consult historical records, photographs, and literature from the period. This can tell us more about the lives and work of women in Northern France, the art market, and the cultural values of the time. With such knowledge, we are better equipped to reflect on the role of art as something interwoven with society.