A detailed exploration of Impressionist themes of water and boats, this catalogue examines the changing depictions of water from pre-Impressionism (Corot, Daubigny) through Impressionism (Manet, Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Caillebotte) to neo- and post-Impressionism (Cezanne, Seurat, Signac). Throughout, connections to contemporary life, such as the literature of Zola and Maupassant and the growing use of boats as leisure craft, clarify the social and cultural implications of the nautical themes embraced by the Impressionists.

Contributions by: Gilles Chardeau