Paul Manthieu – The Beach at Saint-Adresse, 1915 Sotheby’s

The canvas presents a coastal scene dominated by a low horizon line and a turbulent sky. A long stretch of beach occupies the foreground, composed primarily of grey pebbles rendered with loose brushstrokes that suggest texture and depth. The shoreline curves gently into the distance, leading the eye towards a series of buildings situated along the coast. These structures appear to be a combination of residences and public spaces, characterized by steeply pitched roofs and decorative elements. Several Belgian flags are prominently displayed atop these buildings, adding a layer of national identity to the composition.
The architecture is not depicted with precise detail; instead, it’s suggested through broad planes of color and simplified forms. This approach lends a sense of immediacy and emphasizes the overall atmosphere rather than architectural accuracy. A pier extends into the sea from the right side of the frame, its form blurred by distance and atmospheric perspective. The water itself is rendered in muted tones, reflecting the overcast sky above.
The sky commands considerable attention, filling much of the upper portion of the canvas. It’s a swirling mass of grey and white clouds, painted with vigorous brushwork that conveys movement and instability. This dramatic sky contrasts sharply with the relative stillness of the beach below, creating a visual tension within the scene.
Beyond the immediate depiction of a seaside location, the painting seems to carry undertones of melancholy and uncertainty. The subdued color palette, the overcast weather, and the somewhat desolate feel of the buildings contribute to this impression. The flags, while signifying national identity, also appear slightly forlorn against the backdrop of the turbulent sky. Given the date of creation (1915), a period marked by significant global conflict, it is plausible that the work reflects a sense of anxiety or displacement prevalent during that time. The scene, ostensibly tranquil, hints at an underlying emotional complexity, suggesting a landscape imbued with unspoken concerns and a quiet contemplation of the worlds fragility.