The artwork, titled “Tarring the Boat,” was created by the renowned artist Edouard Manet in 1873 in France. This piece, executed in oil on canvas, exemplifies the Impressionist art movement and measures 59 by 60 cm. It is categorized as a genre painting and is presently housed in the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, PA, USA.
The composition of the artwork depicts a scene from daily life, characteristic of genre painting, featuring two figures engaged in the laborious task of tarring a boat by the shore. The boat dominates the scene, its dark, robust form contrasting with the lighter hues of the surrounding beach and serene sea in the background. The flames flickering from the application of tar add a dynamic element to the otherwise tranquil seascape. Manet’s technique, with broad, expressive brushstrokes and a keen attention to the play of light, exemplifies the fundamental qualities of Impressionism, capturing a fleeting moment in time with vivid authenticity. The overall mood of the artwork is one of industrious tranquility, set against the backdrop of natural beauty.
