Bateaux échoués à marée basse 1895

Eugène Boudin painted these beached boats with oil on panel. The subject matter can be seen in relation to changes in French society in the 19th century. Coastal scenes were popular among the rising middle class, who enjoyed spending their leisure time at the beach. Boudin made a career out of capturing these scenes, often working 'en plein air,' directly in front of his subject. This method allowed him to capture the subtleties of light and atmosphere, aligning him with the Impressionist movement. But it also reveals a society in transition, as traditional industries like fishing gave way to the rise of tourism. To understand Boudin's work more fully, scholars consult primary sources such as letters, exhibition reviews, and the writings of contemporary critics. By situating the artwork within its original social and economic context, we can appreciate its complexity and its commentary on the changing world.