At the Seashore 

Edward Henry Potthast painted ‘At the Seashore’ during the late 19th or early 20th century, and this image captures the burgeoning American middle class at leisure. The loose brushwork and focus on light are hallmarks of American Impressionism, a movement influenced by French painting but inflected with a uniquely American sensibility. Here, we see a bustling beach scene, likely on the East Coast, with families enjoying the surf. Potthast’s choice of subject reflects a shift in American society, where the rise of industrial capitalism allowed for more leisure time and the development of resort culture. But the painting also speaks to deeper social dynamics. The figures are largely anonymous, their faces obscured, suggesting a focus on the collective experience of leisure rather than individual portraits. One might consider the impact of immigration, urbanization, and the changing roles of women in shaping these new forms of recreation. To fully understand this painting, we can explore photographs, newspapers, and guidebooks from the period. Art history isn’t just about the painting itself; it’s about understanding the world that made it possible.