“Beach Scene with Boats” is a watercolor on paper artwork created by Maurice Prendergast between circa 1913 and circa 1915. This genre painting, belonging to the Post-Impressionism art movement, measures 30.48 by 45.72 centimeters and is held in a private collection.
The artwork captures a lively beach scene teeming with viewers and vibrant colors. Various figures, predominantly women dressed in early 20th-century attire, are depicted enjoying a day at the beach. These figures occupy the foreground and midground and are engaged in activities such as conversing, observing, or simply relaxing. The ocean’s deep blue waves create a dynamic backdrop, contrasting with the lighter hues of the sand and the brightly colored boats populating the water. The artist utilizes fluid brushstrokes and a rich palette to convey movement and the cheerful ambiance of a sunny day by the sea, characteristic of Prendergast’s post-impressionistic style.
