Trouville at Low Tide c. 1888 - 1895

"Trouville at Low Tide" was painted by Eugène Boudin, using oil on canvas. Boudin was one of the first French artists to paint "en plein air," or outdoors, which allowed him to capture the subtle nuances of light and atmosphere, but this choice of material and process also has a social context. During the mid-19th century, France experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization, which led to a growing interest in leisure activities and travel among the middle class. Coastal towns like Trouville became popular destinations for vacationers seeking respite from the city. Boudin's paintings catered to this market, offering idealized depictions of seaside life that were both charming and accessible. The quick, fluid brushstrokes used to capture the scene give a sense of immediacy, and the painting's soft color palette evokes a sense of tranquility. The paintings are a record of not just the physical appearance of the scene, but of the social and economic forces that shaped it.