“By the Bathing Machines” is a work of art by Eugene Boudin, created in the year 1866 in France. The medium of the artwork is watercolor, and it is considered part of the Impressionist movement. This piece falls under the genre of sketch and study and is currently housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a beach scene with a series of bathing machines, which were movable changing rooms used by beachgoers during that period. The focus of the watercolor is not on a detailed representation but rather on capturing the essence of the scene through swift and fluid brushwork, which is characteristic of impressionistic techniques. The color palette is muted, with gentle shades of browns, blues, and reds, adding a sense of calmness and subtlety to the portrayal.
Several figures are present within the artwork: some seated near the bathing machines, others standing or in motion. The individuals are rendered with minimal detail, emphasizing the spontaneity and fleetingness of the moment rather than the distinct personalities or complex emotions of the subjects. In the foreground, a dog sits attentively, bringing a touch of life and perhaps curiosity into the serene environment. The sky is lightly sketched, suggesting an expansive horizon above the tranquil beach setting.
Overall, Boudin’s “By the Bathing Machines” serves as a study of light, atmosphere, and the everyday leisure activities of his time, yielding insights into the changing social customs and the way such moments were perceived through the impressionist lens.