The artwork titled “On the Shore” was created by Honore Daumier approximately between the years 1849 and 1853. Executed in oil on panel, it is a genre painting belonging to the Realism art movement. The piece is currently housed in the Musee d’Art Moderne de Troyes in Troyes, France.
The artwork depicts a scene on a shore, likely a beach, featuring a group of individuals engaging in what appears to be routine activities. The central figure is a woman standing in shallow water, her gaze directed downwards, possibly lost in thought or focused on her immediate task. She is dressed simply, with a cloth covering her head, indicative of peasant attire. Two other figures are seated on the sand behind her; their postures suggest labor or rest after a day’s work. In the background, another person stands, creating a sense of depth and perspective. The colors are subdued, with earthy tones dominating the scene, aligned with the Realist movement’s focus on depicting everyday life with naturalistic accuracy. The brushstrokes are visibly textured, enhancing the sense of realism and the tactile quality of the environment.
