Berthe Morisot’s “At the Beach in Nice,” created in 1882, is a fine example of Impressionist genre painting, employing pencil and watercolor as its medium. Morisot, an influential figure in the Impressionism movement, was adept at capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life, with a particular focus on women and children in domestic and outdoor settings. This work is emblematic of the Impressionist style, characterized by its loose brushwork, vibrant light, and a sense of immediacy.
The artwork depicts, with delicate fluidity, a scene of leisure at the beach. In the foreground, two figures are prominently featured against a backdrop of soft blues and greens, which suggest the presence of the sea and sky. The figures are women, one of whom is holding a parasol, a common accessory in beach scenes of the time, signifying a day of relaxation and respite from the sun. Their attire, which includes hats and light, flowing garments, aligns with the fashion of the time for seaside attire. The execution of the watercolor is notably impressionistic, with washes of color that convey the luminosity and atmosphere of a beach day rather than detailed representation. There’s a sense of movement and spontaneity in the brushstrokes, lending the artwork a casual, lively feel. The choice to utilize watercolor contributes to the overall ephemeral quality of the scene depicted, emphasizing the belief among Impressionist artists that capturing the impression of a moment was more significant than creating a highly detailed, realistic image.
