Boat at Villerville, Low Tide

Born into a family of sculptors, Édouard Dantan exhibited his work from a very young age at the Salon des Vues d'Ateliers. In 1881, he settled in Villerville, near Trouville. There, he regularly painted the beach and maritime activity. “Boat at Villerville, Low Tide” dates from his move into the village. The way he paints is similar to the techniques used by Camille Corot and is particularly reminiscent of Monet in the 1870s. The boat, a punt, was used to move freely in the estuary of the Seine. It's seen from above, raising its bare masts. The sailor, who is busy on his boat, can barely be seen. The low tide, the dark sky, the ochre colors and the framing inspired by Japanese prints create a sensation of immediacy, similar to impressionist inspirations.

Cyrille Sciama