The artwork titled “Next to the Sea” was created by French artist Georges Braque in 1958. Braque, renowned for his contribution to Cubism alongside Pablo Picasso, crafted this piece using oil on canvas, which was typical of his preferred medium during his career. This particular painting, which falls under the category of Expressionism, depicts a landscape. The artwork embodies the sensibilities of the artistic movement through its emphasis on the emotional experience of the scene rather than a realistic representation. Currently, the painting resides within a private collection.
In regards to the visual content of the artwork, it displays a somewhat abstracted coastal scene with muted and earthy color tones. The sea appears rendered with heavy textures, perhaps with the thick application of paint or use of a palette knife, giving the impression of the turbulent or choppy water. The shapes are simplified and stylized, with a notable lack of fine details that perhaps leads the viewer’s focus more to the overall impression and mood rather than the specifics of the scene. The inclusion of what seems to be a portion of land or a structure, suggested with the use of lighter hues against the darker background, adds a narrative element to the composition. The screaks of brighter colors, like red and blue, might represent boats, figures, or simply abstract elements that contribute to the painting’s emotional impact.