Antwerp, boats on the River Escaut 

Eugène Boudin captured this view of Antwerp, boats on the River Escaut, with oil on canvas. At first glance, the atmospheric conditions dominate, with diffused light enveloping ships and water. This is further emphasized by soft brushstrokes that give a sense of the impermanence of light and weather. Boudin’s mastery lies in his ability to use a limited palette to evoke a wide range of tonal variations. The composition relies on a horizontal structure, which is divided by the sky, the town, and the river. It evokes a feeling of openness while focusing the viewer's attention towards the horizon. The overall effect borders on abstraction, dissolving firm outlines into a play of light. Boudin's treatment of light and atmosphere reflects broader artistic concerns of his time, most notably, an interest in capturing the fleeting moments of modern life. The formal qualities of this piece invite a discourse on how artists began to prioritize perception and sensation over traditional representation.