Setting Out to Sea, Valencia

Setting Out to Sea, Valencia by Joaquín Sorolla

Description: Setting Out to Sea, Valencia by Joaquín Sorolla is a vibrant portrayal of fishermen embarking on their daily journey along the coast of Valencia, Spain. Painted in 1909, this work captures a moment of dynamic movement as fishermen push their boat into the sea under the bright Valencian sunlight. Sorolla’s masterful use of light and color brings the scene to life, with shimmering reflections on the water and the play of shadows on the sand. The painting exhibits Sorolla’s hallmark style—loose, expressive brushstrokes that convey the fluidity of the water and the energy of the figures. It reflects his love for his native Valencia and his fascination with the interplay of natural elements, particularly the dazzling Mediterranean light that suffuses his canvases with warmth and vitality.

Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923) was a Spanish painter known for his luminous outdoor scenes, especially those depicting life along the Spanish coastline. Born in Valencia, his works often focus on the daily lives of fishermen, beachgoers, and children, capturing the essence of Mediterranean culture. Sorolla trained at the San Carlos Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Valencia and developed a style that merged Impressionism with Realism, characterized by a remarkable ability to capture natural light. Setting Out to Sea, Valencia is a quintessential example of Sorolla’s "painting of light," reflecting both his technical brilliance and his deep emotional connection to the Valencian coast.

Details:

• Location and Date Created: Valencia, Spain, 1909.
• Medium: Oil on canvas.
• Full Artwork Name: Setting Out to Sea, Valencia.
• Artwork Style: Impressionism with Realist influences.
• Subject/Topic: Fishermen launching their boat into the sea along the Valencian coast, focusing on the dynamic movement, reflections on water, and the radiant Mediterranean light.