Maximilien Luce – Saint-Tropez, Two Women on the Gulfs Bank, 1896-97 Sotheby’s

Here we see a vertical composition depicting two female figures in a coastal setting. The scene is bathed in bright sunlight, contributing to a sense of leisure and tranquility. The artist has employed a loose, impressionistic brushstroke throughout the work, prioritizing capturing the effects of light and atmosphere over precise detail.
The foreground is dominated by the two women. One figure stands with her back towards the viewer, engaged in what appears to be an act of grooming – she raises her hands to her hair. Her posture suggests a moment of private contemplation or self-care. The second woman sits closer to the viewer, leaning on a support structure that blends into the surrounding foliage. She gazes downwards, seemingly lost in thought. Both women are partially clothed; one with a simple white garment and the other with what appears to be a towel draped over her shoulders. A straw hat lies discarded near the seated figure, further reinforcing the relaxed atmosphere.
Behind the figures stretches a panoramic view of the coastline. The water shimmers under the sunlight, reflecting the sky above. Distant buildings and boats are visible on the horizon, adding depth to the composition. The vegetation in the middle ground is rendered with vibrant greens and yellows, creating a sense of lushness and abundance.
The color palette is dominated by warm tones – yellows, oranges, and greens – which evoke feelings of warmth, vitality, and serenity. The use of light and shadow creates a dynamic interplay across the canvas, enhancing the overall impression of natural beauty.
Subtly, theres an element of voyeurism at play. The viewer is positioned as an observer of this intimate scene, privy to a moment of private reflection. This contributes to a sense of quiet intimacy and invites contemplation on themes of femininity, leisure, and the relationship between humans and nature. The composition’s verticality emphasizes the height of the surrounding landscape and draws the eye upwards towards the expansive view, suggesting a connection between the individual figures and the broader world around them.