Rotterdam. A Corner of the Basin 1877

Eugène Boudin painted this view of Rotterdam with oil on canvas. Here, paint is the very subject of the artwork. Boudin uses the medium to convey the atmospheric qualities of light and water. The strokes of paint vary in thickness and direction, capturing the reflections of the buildings and sky on the water's surface. The brushwork is loose and expressive, characteristic of Impressionism, a radical art movement that prioritized the artist's direct experience of the world, over conventional academic rendering. Although Boudin's technique appears spontaneous, it also reflects a deep understanding of his materials. The texture, weight, and viscosity of the oil paint are all carefully considered. His choice of colors, ranging from cool blues and grays to warm reds and browns, adds depth and dimension to the scene. By focusing on the materiality of paint, Boudin invites us to appreciate the skill and artistry involved in capturing a fleeting moment in time, emphasizing the importance of materiality, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.