The artwork, “Beach Scene No. 4,” was created by Maurice Prendergast, a Post-Impressionist artist, between circa 1903 and circa 1906. It is painted in oil on a panel and measures 26.35 x 34.61 cm. This genre painting is an exquisite representation of leisure at the beach, emphasizing the enjoyment and social interactions among the figures.
“Beach Scene No. 4” depicts a lively and vibrant seaside setting, capturing the essence of a leisurely day at the beach. The scene is populated with groups of people dressed in early 20th-century attire, engaging in various activities along the shoreline. The sky, adorned with shades of blue and pink hues with scattered clouds, conveys a sense of tranquility and lightness. The sea, rendered in harmonious blues, stretches out to the horizon, where a sailboat can be seen gliding over the water. Figures in the foreground and middle ground are loosely painted with an emphasis on color and form, rather than precise details, characteristic of the Post-Impressionist style. This artwork brilliantly conveys movement and the joyful atmosphere of the beach through its dynamic composition and vibrant palette.
