“The Beach, Étretat,” painted by Camille Corot in 1872, is an exemplary work in the Realism art movement. Executed in oil on canvas, this landscape painting measures 35.6 x 56.4 cm and is currently housed in the Saint Louis Art Museum in St. Louis, Missouri, United States.
The artwork depicts a serene coastal scene at Étretat, a small town known for its scenic cliffs and beach. A sense of tranquility pervades the painting, with Corot’s characteristic muted palette and delicate brushwork. Several boats are moored on the sandy shore, some with sails still raised, suggesting recent arrival or preparations for departure. The foreground is animated by a few figures, with two individuals walking along the beach, likely engrossed in their leisurely activities. The backdrop features majestic cliffs, rendered with gentle, flowing lines that emphasize the geological grandeur of the location. Corot’s masterful handling of light and atmosphere captures the soft, diffused light of an overcast day, imparting a timeless quality to the scene. Overall, the painting exemplifies Corot’s skill in conveying both the physical beauty and the quietude of the natural world.
