Venise. San Giorgio c. 1897

Eugène Boudin created this painting, Venise. San Giorgio, using oil paints on canvas. Boudin wasn't interested in traditional art materials; instead, he embraced the directness of oil paint, applying it with visible brushstrokes to capture the essence of the Venetian lagoon. The material qualities of oil paint allowed Boudin to evoke the shimmering light and atmospheric conditions of Venice. Note the varying textures: thick impasto in the clouds contrasting with the smoother application in the water. Boudin's technique reflects the growing accessibility of paint in tubes, a product of industrial manufacturing that democratized art-making. The painting's loose, informal style also breaks with academic traditions. It’s an early example of plein air painting. By stepping outside the studio, artists like Boudin could engage directly with the world around them. So, in considering a painting like this, we have to appreciate the interplay of materials, processes, and social context.