The artwork titled “Women on the Beach, Étretat” was created by Henri Matisse in 1920. It falls within the landscape genre, and the scene depicts a coastal view that captures the essence of a specific locale in France.
In this portrayal of a seaside landscape, the artwork conveys a sense of tranquility and simplicity. The frame is dominated by broad brushstrokes and a muted color palette that ranges from soft blues and purples in the sky to warmer hues of beige and green on the beach. The composition features several figures, presumably women, gathered on the shore, which instills a human element into the otherwise natural scene. They are depicted in a stylized manner; reduced to mere silhouettes, offering a sense of scale without detracting from the iconic chalk cliffs of Étretat, which are boldly represented in the background. The cliffs are marked by distinctive arches chiseled into their structure, a geological feature for which the location is renowned. The sea is depicted with darker shades of blue and green, suggesting depth and movement. To the right, one can observe what appears to be a fragment of a wooden structure, which might represent remnants of a pier or breakwater, adding a tactile contrast to the soft forms of the natural environment. The dynamic brushstrokes and the interplay of light and shadow across the painting imbue the scene with vitality, while the loose, expressive style is emblematic of Matisse’s approach to landscape painting. Overall, the artwork captures a moment of leisure and the enduring beauty of the natural world as witnessed by those who visit its shores.
