Our ancestors went to the beach and swam there for health. They soon wrapped themselves up in clothing, though, and only in late 19th century dared to dress for the beach.
Lepoittevin
No public holidays, and no paid leave either. Despite that, mill workers travelled by train to the seaside in Wakes Weeks.
From Tintoretto in the 1560s, through the canonical Raft of the Medusa by ThĂ©odore GĂ©ricault, to Delacroix’s Shipwreck of the Don Juan.
Paintings by Chassériau, Franz von Stuck, Lovis Corinth, and Félix Vallotton telling this story.
Throughout the 19th century, as going to the beach became more popular, adults at least only bared essentials, and even covered arms and legs.
Travel by sea was hazardous. Here are paintings of shipwrecks from Tintoretto to the early 19th century, as an introduction to The Tempest.
Of all the rejects in this series, Manet’s had greatest impact on painting, and really did change the course of art.
From West and Frith’s early paintings of the beach at Ramsgate, through their increasing popularity in the 19th century, to Boudin, Monet and Renoir.
A selection of meals eaten outdoors, by the gods, in Boccaccio’s Decameron, Manet’s controversial luncheon, and by a boating party.
It’s unusual and difficult to make humorous paintings. Here’s a fine selection from Bosch, Brueghel and Rubens to the late 19th century.
The Eclectic Light Company 