On the Beach 

Curator: Immediately striking, isn't it? The canvas is buzzing with a vibrant, almost feverish energy, a sea of humanity under those colorful umbrellas. Editor: It certainly captures a moment. This is Edward Henry Potthast's "On the Beach", rendered with oil paint in what's recognized as the plein-air style. Curator: I’m immediately drawn to how the Impressionistic style democratizes the subjects here. The brushstrokes render everyone, from the social elites to the everyday working class families, in a single vibrant gesture. It's a subtle comment on public spaces. Editor: Observe, however, how Potthast handles the materiality of the scene. The thick application of the oil paint becomes the very sand, the umbrellas, and even the light. Notice the dabs of colour forming the crowd and how they almost dissolve into pure texture upon closer inspection. He wasn’t interested in exact replication, but conveying the act of being *at* the beach, and its relation to leisure. Curator: It certainly asks us to consider the politics of leisure during that period – the evolution of public beaches as shared, but potentially contested, spaces. Editor: Indeed, and think about the labour involved: from the making of paints, canvas and umbrellas, through to transporting crowds to the beach for leisure. Everything comes from somewhere. These paintings remind us of consumption and all that it implies. Curator: And there's an implicit social critique of gender roles embedded. One notes the prominence of women and children enjoying this recreational space, hinting at their evolving roles in the public sphere during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Their engagement underscores themes of visibility and social mobility. Editor: Yes, considering this painting through the lens of labour and production unveils some very fascinating aspects. It allows us to see the interconnectedness of work, materials, and societal change that the seemingly joyful scenes try to hide. Curator: Absolutely. Examining the narrative within this artistic frame highlights broader discussions around identity and social progression during Potthast’s time. Editor: Exactly, a great piece revealing interesting production dynamics with which we are still grappling with today!