A Walk on the Beach

Augustus Leopold Egg 1816 - 1862-1864

Summary

A young woman, in a dark brown coat and brown bonnet, is standing before a gate, with one of her small gloved hands resting on it, which reveals her voluminous sleeve. There are some reeds and a branch in the foreground, and the curving coastline in the background behind her, with a small boat resting on the sand to the left.

Display Label

A Walk on the Beach (formerly known as At the Seaside) about 1855 - 60 Augustus Leopold Egg 1816 - 63 Oil on panel It feels like we have just met this lady who returns our gaze as she pushes open the gate. Her fashionable mid-Victorian clothes contrast with the overgrown seaside setting, suggesting that this is not just a portrait and there may be a story behind the picture. Augustus Egg is best known for his narrative paintings on a historical or literary theme. His later works were influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites to whom he, in turn, gave advice and encouragement. He showed his awareness of their techniques in his use of a white ground and vivid colours and his interest in contemporary life subjects. Purchased 1947.446