Quai Saint-Bernard, Paris (1888)

This vibrant painting by Armand Guillaumin, titled "Quai Saint-Bernard, Paris," portrays an animated riverside scene captured in 1888. The artwork showcases Guillaumin's unique color palette and impressionistic style, which vividly breathes life into a typical day along the Seine River in Paris.In the foreground, we see a variety of figures strolling and engaging in casual activities on the bustling quay. The way these figures are sketched gives us a glimpse into the dynamic, everyday life of Parisians at the close of the 19th century. Guillaumin's technique allows for a flowing movement across the canvas, guiding the viewer’s eye along the quay to explore each individual vignette of life.The middle ground features teams of horses and carts, hinting at the era's reliance on horse-drawn transport in urban settings. This inclusion not only enriches the historical context of the scene but also adds a layer of depth and interest to the composition.In the background, Parisian architecture lines the riverbank under a wide, expressive sky that dominates the upper portion of the canvas. The sky, painted in swirling tones of blue, pink, and soft yellow, suggests a late afternoon setting as the city transitions from day to night. The subtle but intriguing play of light suggests the setting sun reflecting its hues across the clouds and water, giving the scene a dreamlike quality.