The Mouth of the Somme

Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme, L’embouchure De La Somme (Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme, The Mouth of the Somme) by Eugène Boudin

Description:
"Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme, L’embouchure De La Somme" (Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme, The Mouth of the Somme), painted by Eugène Boudin in the late 19th century, is a vivid portrayal of the mouth of the Somme River in the coastal town of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, located in the Picardy region of France. Eugène Boudin, born in 1824 in Honfleur, is known for his pioneering contributions to plein air painting, capturing the beauty of nature directly from life. His works often focus on the coastal landscapes and harbor scenes of Normandy and Northern France, where he meticulously depicted the effects of light, atmosphere, and the ever-changing skies.

In "Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme, L’embouchure De La Somme," Boudin captures the expansive view of the river meeting the sea, with a focus on the natural landscape and the interplay of light on water. The painting features Boudin’s characteristic loose brushwork, rendering the shimmering reflections on the water's surface and the soft, airy clouds drifting across the sky. The muted tones of blues, greens, and grays create a calm and serene atmosphere, capturing the peacefulness of the scene. This work reflects Boudin’s fascination with the natural world and his mastery in depicting the transient effects of light and weather, which had a profound influence on the later Impressionist movement.

Details:

• Location and Date Created: Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, France, late 19th century.
• Medium: Oil on canvas.
• Full Artwork Name: Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme, L’embouchure De La Somme (Saint-Valéry-Sur-Somme, The Mouth of the Somme) by Eugène Boudin.
• Artwork Style: Early Impressionism; plein air painting.
• Subject/Topic: A depiction of the mouth of the Somme River at Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, focusing on the natural landscape and atmospheric effects of light and water.