[ONGOING CAMPAIGN] Acquisition of “Trois-mâts devant Anvers" [Three-Masted Ship off Antwerp] by Eugène Boudin
About
The musée des impressionnismes Giverny is dedicated to exploring the origins, international impact, and enduring influence of Impressionism on the history of art. One of its core missions is to bring major works back to the place where they were created.
The work’s story
Eugène Boudin, as a painter of seascapes and skies, inspired the young Claude Monet to paint outside after they met in Honfleur, France, in 1856. Boudin was a keen observer of the Normandy coast: he was fascinated by the changing skies, the reflections on water and maritime life.
In the summer of 1871, Eugène Boudin stayed in Antwerp, Belgium, where he produced many studies of the port and its vessels. Captivated by the movement of ships and the changing effects of light, he painted Three-Masted Ship off Antwerp in 1872, a work that reflects his artistic research.
The composition is distinguished by a low horizon line, allowing a vast and cloudy sky to occupy nearly three-quarters of the canvas. On the right, a Three-Masted ship structures the scene and draws the viewer’s gaze toward the left, creating a striking sense of immersion.
Painted the same year as Impression, soleil levant by Monet, the work echoes the research of both Boudin and Monet on the changing effects of the sky and water. It was once part of the collection of Georges Petit, dealer of the Impressionists.
Crowdfunding
From March 27th to November 1st, 2026, to mark the centenary of Claude Monet’s passing, the musée des impressionnismes Giverny is launching a crowdfunding campaign to enrich its collections with the painting “Three-Masted Ship off Antwerp” (1872) by Eugène Boudin.
Thank you to all our donors and patrons!
We warmly thank the public, Le Cercle des Mécènes, and the Friends of the Musée des Impressionnismes Giverny. Thanks to you, the €40,000 target has been reached: the artwork has officially joined the museum’s collection!
As the campaign continues until November 1, every additional donation counts. Indeed, the target reached covers only part of the artwork’s acquisition cost. Your support will enable the museum to better promote this painting and introduce it to an ever-wider audience.
Further information
Charlène Potier
Patronage manager
c.potier@mdig.fr
Tel : 02 32 51 45 02
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