Impressionism and the Sea

The sea was a constant source of inspiration for the impressionists, as Claude Monet believed it was an invaluable teacher for landscape artists. Their preference for plein air painting and distinct techniques of using fine brushstrokes and vibrant color palettes were ideal for capturing the ever-changing nature of the sea, ranging from tranquil rippling waves to powerful storms.

This book showcases the nautical and seaside life during the 19th century through the lens of renowned Impressionist artists such as Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. By focusing on coastal landscapes and the interplay of light on water, readers are taken on a journey from Normandy and Brittany to the Mediterranean Sea and even Tahiti. Other notable artists featured in this volume include Camille Pissarro, Berthe Morisot, Gustave Courbet, Paul Gauguin, Eugène Boudin, and Johan Barthold Jongkind.

From idyllic portraits of children playing in the sand to bustling scenes of the maritime industry, Impressionism and the Sea showcases a contrast of leisure and labor. With depictions of dockers, passing ships, and fishermen hard at work, the paintings transport viewers into the lively world of ports. Additionally, atmospheric marine landscapes captivate the eye, from rugged cliffs and jagged rocks to peaceful sunsets and sunrises on the horizon.

Published in collaboration with the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny, this volume includes 110 paintings and drawings, presented alongside photographs by masters such as Gustave Le Gray, which transport readers to the very coastlines interpreted by the impressionists.