Painting of the Month

Degas, 'Beach Scene', probably 1868-77

This is a picture filled with wonderful observations of beach activity: people hugging towels around themselves for warmth, and standing gingerly at the water's edge. But Degas boasted that he'd created this convincing beach scene by spreading his jacket on the floor of his studio, and carefully posing paid models. Why did he choose to do this, when his fellow artists were eagerly painting out of doors? Find out more about Degas' aims and working practices in our Special Online Feature.

Special Feature: Beneath the Waves

See also...

	Bathing and Boating
	Paintings of Summer
	Other Paintings of the Month