The artwork titled “By the Sea” is a creation of Gustave Caillebotte, dating from circa 1885. This oil on canvas painting is associated with the Impressionism movement and is classified as a portrait. Presently, it resides within a private collection.
The artwork portrays a solitary male figure walking on a path by the sea, suggestive of reflective solitude. The figure is dressed in typical late 19th-century attire, consisting of a suit, a white shirt, and a bowler hat, emphasizing the social norms and fashion of the period. He holds a walking stick in his right hand, which, along with his posture, suggests a leisurely yet purposeful stroll.
Caillebotte captures the vastness of the sea in the background, extending to the horizon, while the path the man follows is bordered by lush greenery on one side and an overgrown fence on the other. The brushwork is characteristic of the Impressionist style, where quick, visible strokes blend colors and light to achieve a sense of movement and temporality.
The tranquility of the seascape juxtaposed against the human figure evokes a contemplative mood. The artist’s application of color, light, and shadow delicately renders both the natural setting and the figure’s personality. Overall, “By the Sea” is a testament to Caillebotte’s skill in capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere, along with human presence within the landscape.
