Artwork
Las tres velas

Las tres velas is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Joaquín Sorolla. It dates from 1903 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.
About this work
Overview
Las tres velas, an oil painting from 1903 by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida, captures a dynamic beach scene characterized by the interplay of wind, light, and everyday life.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts four women walking along the shore, their attire billowing in the breeze, accompanied by a basket, a baby, and a headscarf. Three sailboats in the background underscore the scene's emphasis on the effects of wind and natural movement.
Technique & Style
Sorolla employs loose, rapid brushstrokes, suggestive of immediacy, to convey the scene's vitality. The palette features soft blues, whites, and earthy browns, set against a pale sky and choppy waves, evoking a warm, sunny day.
History & Provenance
Created in 1903, Las tres velas is part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, highlighting Sorolla's contribution to impressionist landscape painting with a Spanish twist.
Context
Reflecting Sorolla's penchant for capturing Spanish life under bright sunlight, Las tres velas blends impressionist techniques with a serene, everyday Spanish coastal scene.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of Las tres velas are not highlighted, the work contributes to Sorolla's broader reputation for vibrant, light-infused depictions of Spanish culture and landscapes.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (27 February 1863 – 10 August 1923) was a Spanish painter.



















