The artwork, titled “Beach at Boulogne”, was created by Edouard Manet in 1869 in France. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece is representative of the Realism movement and is classified as a genre painting. It is presently housed in the Paul Mellon Collection located in Upperville, Virginia, USA.
In “Beach at Boulogne,” Edouard Manet captures a serene seaside scene. The foreground of the artwork is populated by elegantly dressed figures engaged in leisurely activities under the gentle sunlight. The figures, dressed in the fashion of the 19th century, include women holding parasols, men in suits and hats, and children playing. At the center, a woman can be seen with her children beside a cabana structure, which suggests a popular coastal recreation site of the era. The background features a calm sea with a few boats and ships sailing, adding depth and atmosphere to the composition. The use of light and color in the painting accentuates the relaxed and idyllic atmosphere of a day at the beach, characteristic of Manet’s Realist style.
