Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Effet de Lune sur le Canal (Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Moonlight Effect on the Canal) by Eugène Louis Boudin (1891)
Description:
"Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Effet de Lune sur le Canal" (Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Moonlight Effect on the Canal), painted by Eugène Louis Boudin in 1891, captures the tranquil and atmospheric mood of a moonlit night over the canal in the town of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, located in the Picardy region of France. Eugène Louis Boudin, born in 1824 in Honfleur, France, was a master of plein air painting and a key figure in the development of Impressionism. Known for his ability to capture the subtle variations of light and atmosphere, Boudin often painted scenes from coastal towns and harbors, reflecting his fascination with the interplay between water, sky, and light.
In "Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Effet de Lune sur le Canal," Boudin portrays the serene and quiet scene of the canal illuminated by moonlight. The painting is characterized by its soft, muted tones and delicate brushwork, which convey the shimmering reflections of the moon on the water's surface and the gentle play of light and shadow. The calmness of the water, the silhouettes of boats, and the subtle gradations of the night sky create a peaceful, contemplative mood. Boudin's attention to atmospheric effects is evident in this work, capturing the ephemeral beauty of a moonlit night and demonstrating his ability to evoke emotion through his sensitive portrayal of natural light.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, France, 1891.
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Medium: Oil on canvas.
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Full Artwork Name: Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Effet de Lune sur le Canal (Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, Moonlight Effect on the Canal) by Eugène Louis Boudin.
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Artwork Style: Early Impressionism; plein air painting.
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Subject/Topic: A tranquil nighttime scene of the canal in Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, focusing on the moonlight’s reflection on the water and the serene atmosphere of a quiet night.