The Boat Ride from Sorrento (1919) by Charles Demuth

“The Boat Ride from Sorrento” was created by Charles Demuth in 1919 and belongs to the Expressionism movement. The artwork, a genre painting, captures a moment in a boat ride with expressive and vivid details.

The artwork features three individuals in a small boat traversing a body of water. In the foreground, a robust rower, with exaggerated features denoting physical exertion, is central to the composition. The rower’s furrowed brow and intense focus underscore the effort involved in propelling the boat. Behind him, seated closely side by side, are two passengers: a man wearing a hat and a woman adorned in a stylish bonnet. Both spectators appear relaxed and content, engaging with their surroundings and each other. The background reveals a panoramic view of a coastal landscape, with distant smoke rising from a volcano or industrial chimney, adding an element of interest and dynamism. The blue hues of the water blend seamlessly with the sky, creating an encompassing and tranquil atmosphere, while the expressive lines and colors evoke a sense of movement and emotional depth consistent with the Expressionist style.