David Eugène Girin (1848-1917), On The Quay

This work by David Girin represents a scene of daily life, located near a quay. We can see human figures, including a woman surrounded by children. The blurred and impressionistic treatment suggests a calm and introspective atmosphere, where the shapes blend into a diffuse light. David Girin used a color palette of browns, ochres and grays, reinforced by touches of green and pale blue. The orange-yellow light in the sky suggests a sunset or twilight, reinforcing the idea of a transitory or ephemeral moment.

David-Eugène Girin entered the École des Beaux-Arts in Lyon in 1864 and immediately joined Joseph Guichard’s class. He exhibited genre scenes at the Salon and also painted still lifes, notably of flowers. In 1887, with the painting Le Matin, a definitive change occurred: the artist, previously known for his genre paintings, henceforth devoted himself exclusively to landscapes and outdoor scenes. His financial stability allowed him to travel throughout France, providing him with a wide variety of subjects to explore. David Girin also renewed both his palette and his technique. He combined powerful, understated drawing with a palette composed of light earth tones and tinted whites.