The artwork titled “The Holiday (also known as Figures by the Sea or Promenade by the Sea)” was created by the artist Maurice Prendergast between approximately 1907 and 1910. This piece, representative of the Post-Impressionism art movement, measures 174.19 x 87.31 cm and falls within the genre of genre painting.
In the artwork, numerous individuals are depicted leisurely enjoying their time by the sea. The scene is characterized by vibrant, lively colors and fragmented brushstrokes, typical of the Post-Impressionist style. The figures, dressed in early 20th-century attire, are seen engaging in various activities, such as strolling, conversing, and resting on park benches. The backdrop comprises a serene seascape with distant sailboats and an expansive sky, interspersed with trees and coastal elements, contributing to the overall picturesque ambiance. Prendergast’s use of color and rhythmic patterns imbues the scene with a sense of joy and relaxation, evocative of a peaceful holiday by the seaside.
