Beach of Valencia by Morning Light

Under the dazzling summer sun, innocent children play in the blue waves of the Mediterranean. Some lie in the shallows to cool off, while boys swim energetically further out, and boats can be seen floating on the sea. In the foreground, a woman in white summer attire gently holds a young child who, fearful of the breaking waves, instinctively pulls back their feet.

A peaceful and joyful everyday scene by the sea, evoking a sense of nostalgia.

To capture this vibrant human activity and the light filling the space on canvas, the painter Sorolla brought his canvas directly to the beach instead of working in his studio, painting en plein air.