The image shows a scene captured from a slightly elevated point of view. The horizon is placed low in the composition, with ample space given to the sky above, which has cloudy textures. On the horizon line, faint suggestions of the sea are visible. In the foreground, four elegantly dressed figures are depicted. Two are seated, one in a red shawl and the other in a dark coat with a parasol. The other two stand nearby, also holding parasols. The brushwork is loose and expressive, and the color palette consists of earth tones and soft pastels with occasional pops of red.
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The image shows a scene captured from a slightly elevated point of view. The horizon is placed low in the composition, with ample space given to the sky above, which has cloudy textures. On the horizon line, faint suggestions of the sea are visible. In the foreground, four elegantly dressed figures are depicted. Two are seated, one in a red shawl and the other in a dark coat with a parasol. The other two stand nearby, also holding parasols. The brushwork is loose and expressive, and the color palette consists of earth tones and soft pastels with occasional pops of red.

National Gallery of Art · Drawing

A Couple Seated and a Couple Walking on the Beach

Eugène Boudin

Date
1865
Medium
watercolor over graphite
Dimensions
overall: 14 x 21.3 cm (5 1/2 x 8 3/8 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Accession number
1985.64.78
Credit line
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon
Time span
1851 to 1875
Department
CG-E

Subjects and terms

  • French
  • amusement
  • genre
  • Impressionist
  • Beach
Provenance

Désiré Louveau [1843-1913] (Lugt Supp. 1694a). (Wildenstein & Co.); acquired December 1961 by Paul Mellon [1907-1999]; gift 1985 to NGA.

Inscription

lower right in graphite: 1865; lower right artist's stamp in blue ink: E.B (Lugt 828)

NGA object ID 66476. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.