The Port at Deauville 

Eugène Boudin likely made this painting in the late 19th century using oil on canvas, traditional materials for maritime scenes. Note how Boudin applied thin layers of paint to capture the subtle nuances of light and atmosphere. He built up layers of color to create depth and texture, evoking the dampness of the air and the fluidity of the water. The strokes are visible, conveying a sense of immediacy and capturing the transient quality of the scene, recording a fleeting moment in time. Consider, though, that these boats represent international trade, resource extraction, and empire, all of which depended on the labor of countless people. The impressionistic style and the muted palette of the painting downplay these social realities, focusing instead on the aesthetic experience of the port. Thinking about the materials, making, and context encourages us to look beyond the surface appearance, and recognize the relationship between art and social history.