Artwork
On the Beach, No. 3
On the Beach, No. 3 is an oil painting by Maurice Prendergast. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Maurice Prendergast’s 1915 oil painting *On the Beach, No. 3* captures a bustling seaside setting. The canvas is filled with figures—standing, seated, strolling—intermixed with small boats on the water. Vivid hues of red, blue and green dominate the composition, while the surface is built up with thick, textured brushwork that conveys the immediacy of a crowded shore.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents a contemporary leisure scene, reflecting early‑twentieth‑century American beach culture. By populating the sand with a variety of individuals engaged in casual activities, Prendergast emphasizes the social rhythm of modern life, inviting viewers to observe the interplay of movement, relaxation, and the collective atmosphere of a public seaside space.
Technique & Style
Prendergast employs a mosaic‑like application of color, laying down dense, impasto strokes that remain visibly separate. This method creates a lively surface texture and a sense of kinetic energy. The palette’s bright contrasts and the fragmented brushwork align the painting with Post‑Impressionist tendencies while retaining a uniquely American sensibility.
History & Provenance
Born in Newfoundland and later active in the United States, Prendergast was a member of the early twentieth‑century collective known as The Eight. *On the Beach, No. 3* was executed during a period when he focused on light‑filled landscapes and urban leisure scenes, contributing to his reputation for depicting modern everyday moments.
Artist & collection
Artist
Maurice Brazil Prendergast (October 10, 1858 – February 1, 1924) was a Newfoundlander-American artist who painted in oil and watercolor, and created monotypes.
