View of Berville sur Mer 1903 Albert-Charles Lebourg

The artwork presents a coastal landscape dominated by a sloping hillside that descends towards a body of water. The foreground is characterized by dense vegetation – a mixture of grasses and low-lying shrubs – rendered in broad strokes of ochre, yellow, and green, creating a textured surface that suggests the warmth of sunlight. This area gently slopes downwards, leading the eye toward the distant shoreline.
Along the hillside, several figures are scattered; they appear to be engaged in leisurely activities such as horseback riding or simply strolling. Their small scale relative to the landscape emphasizes the vastness and tranquility of the setting. The artist has subtly integrated them into the scene, avoiding any sense of narrative drama and instead contributing to a feeling of quiet observation.
The water itself occupies a significant portion of the composition. It is depicted with loose brushwork in shades of blue and white, conveying movement and reflecting the ambient light. A hazy atmosphere softens the horizon line, blurring the distinction between sea and sky. This atmospheric perspective contributes to the sense of depth and distance within the painting.
The color palette is predominantly warm – earth tones dominate – but is punctuated by cooler blues and greens in the water and distant foliage. The overall effect is one of serenity and a contemplative mood. Theres an impression of a specific time of day, likely late afternoon or early evening, given the soft light and long shadows.
The composition suggests a deliberate attempt to capture not just a visual representation of the scene but also its emotional essence – a feeling of peacefulness and connection with nature. The lack of prominent architectural features reinforces this focus on the natural world, suggesting an appreciation for the unspoiled beauty of the coastal environment.