Caudebec-En-Caux, Le Quai De La Seine 1889

Eugène Boudin painted ‘Caudebec-En-Caux, Le Quai De La Seine’ to capture a moment in time. The canvas reflects the social and economic shifts of 19th-century France. Boudin, as a son of a maritime worker, was sensitive to the changing dynamics of port cities. The painting captures the essence of a working riverfront, as industrialization began to reshape these landscapes. The steam rising in the background hints at the modernization, while the sailboats and the architecture of the buildings maintain a connection to the past. Boudin was known for his seascapes and his ability to capture the transient effects of light and atmosphere. He once said that, when he paints, he tries "not to forget, when I am working, that I must render emotion." 'Caudebec-En-Caux, Le Quai De La Seine’ is a portrayal of a community in transition, preserving the memory and identity of the inhabitants of this small French town.