Rider on the Beach 1911

Max Liebermann made this painting of a rider on the beach with oils, smearing browns and blues across the canvas. Just imagine being Liebermann for a moment, feeling the sea breeze, squinting at the horizon, and mixing the colours on his palette—a little umber here, a touch of cerulean there. He probably stood back, assessing the balance, adding strokes to capture the motion of the horse and the glint of the waves. It’s not just about depicting a scene, is it? There’s something else going on. Look at the way the paint is applied, thick and textured. You can almost feel the grit of the sand. Notice the horse’s legs—how they blur, suggesting movement. Maybe Liebermann was thinking about capturing a fleeting moment, the impermanence of everything. Painters are always talking to each other, aren’t they? From Manet to the Impressionists, sharing tips, stealing ideas… It’s a conversation that’s been going on for centuries. And here we are, looking at this painting, adding our own thoughts to the mix.