“The Day after the Storm,” crafted by Briton Rivière in 1896, is a notable piece within the Realism movement, primarily categorized as landscape art. The artwork encompasses a depiction of a rugged coastal cliff and the aftermath of a fierce storm.
The composition captures a dramatic seashore scene, emphasizing the raw and untamed beauty of nature. The rocky cliff dominates the right portion of the artwork, with its rugged, earthy textures suggesting recent tumult and erosion. The sky, painted with a mix of light and dark clouds, hints at the storm’s passing, creating a contrast between the turbulent and tranquil elements of the scene. In the foreground, the scattered rocks and the subtly flowing water embody the aftermath, while a flock of birds adds a dynamic touch to this otherwise serene post-storm landscape. The careful observation of natural details and the realistic portrayal underscore Rivière’s commitment to realism in art.