Taking out the boat Joaquin Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923)

The canvas presents a scene unfolding on a sandy beach, dominated by a procession moving towards the sea. Here we see two robust oxen, their coats rendered in vibrant shades of red-orange, pulling a large, roughly constructed cart laden with what appears to be sails or heavy fabric. The animals are positioned centrally, drawing immediate attention and establishing them as key figures within this narrative.
Flanking the oxen is a group of individuals, presumably women, dressed in traditional attire – headscarves and simple garments suggesting a rural or coastal community. Their postures convey a sense of purposeful movement; they seem engaged in guiding or overseeing the transport of the cart. A young boy, clad in white, stands slightly apart from the group, holding a container – perhaps for water or provisions – and looking towards the oxen with an expression that hints at both curiosity and responsibility.
The backdrop is defined by a turbulent sea under a bright sky. The artist employed loose brushstrokes to depict the waves, creating a sense of dynamism and suggesting the power of nature. The color palette is warm, dominated by ochres, yellows, reds, and blues, contributing to an overall feeling of sun-drenched intensity.
Beyond the literal depiction of a transport scene, the painting evokes themes of labor, community, and connection to the natural world. The oxen, symbols of strength and endurance, are integral to the process, while the human figures represent collective effort and shared purpose. The presence of the sea suggests both opportunity (fishing, trade) and potential hardship (storms, unpredictable conditions).
The composition’s arrangement – the procession moving towards the water – implies a journey or transition, perhaps signifying the start of a workday, a voyage, or a seasonal migration. The boys gaze, directed toward the oxen, could be interpreted as representing the passing down of traditions and responsibilities from one generation to the next. Ultimately, the work captures a moment in time that speaks to the rhythms of rural life and the enduring relationship between humans, animals, and their environment.