Bathers (Summer Scene)

"Scène d'été" or "Summer Scene" by Frédéric Bazille (1869) is a notable example of Impressionism recognized for its relaxed depiction of leisure. This canvas features young men in swimsuits enjoying a summer day along the Lez river near Montpellier. Bazille skillfully composed the oil painting by first sketching the figures in his studio before capturing the outdoor scene. Similar to his earlier genre painting Réunion de famille, it portrays friends and family in a naturalistic setting, emphasizing everyday life. The work was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1870, exemplifying the Impressionist focus on modern life.