Beach Scene at Saint Malo c. 19th century

This pencil sketch, attributed to Eugène-Louis Boudin, captures a beach scene at Saint Malo. The figures are loosely defined, yet we sense a leisure class enjoying the seaside. Boudin was working in France during a time of significant social change and the rise of the bourgeoisie. The burgeoning middle class had more time and money for leisure activities like seaside vacations. Saint-Malo, with its beautiful beaches, became a popular resort town, catering to this new social class. Boudin's sketch, while seemingly simple, speaks to the shifting social landscape of 19th-century France. The figures, likely members of this new middle class, are depicted enjoying their newfound freedom and leisure. Understanding this sketch requires considering the social and economic forces at play in 19th-century France. By researching historical accounts, fashion trends, and travel guides from the period, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the social context that shaped Boudin's art. Art like this allows us to reflect on how social context shapes artistic production.