A Vista through Trees: Fontainebleau

Narcisse Virgile Diaz de la Peña

Created:
Movement:
1873
Romanticism
key Notes:
Forest landscape, Dappled sunlight
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Dimensions:
12 3/4 x 17 1/4 in. (32.4 x 43.8 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
story of the work:

"A Vista through Trees: Fontainebleau" is a painting by Narcisse-Virgile Diaz de la Peña, created in 1873. Diaz de la Peña was a prominent French painter associated with the Barbizon School, which emphasized naturalism and the depiction of rural landscapes. The work reflects the artist's interest in capturing the interplay of light and shadow within a forested setting, characteristic of his style. Fontainebleau, a region near Paris, was a favored location for many artists of the time due to its picturesque scenery. The painting showcases Diaz's skill in rendering foliage and atmospheric effects, contributing to the Romantic movement's focus on nature. The exact provenance of the painting prior to its current location is unknown. It is held in a private collection, and its significance lies in its representation of 19th-century landscape painting and the Barbizon School's influence on later Impressionist artists.

Description of the work:

"A Vista through Trees: Fontainebleau" by Narcisse-Virgile Diaz de la Peña, created in 1873, is an oil painting on wood that captures a serene landscape scene. The composition features a dense arrangement of trees, which frame a view of the distant landscape, creating a sense of depth and perspective. The foliage is rendered with a rich palette of greens, while dappled light filters through the branches, illuminating the scene with a soft glow. The brushwork is fluid and expressive, characteristic of the Barbizon school, emphasizing the natural beauty of the Fontainebleau forest. The overall atmosphere conveys tranquility and a harmonious relationship between nature and light. The painting exemplifies Diaz de la Peña's ability to evoke mood through color and texture, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the depicted environment.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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A Vista through Trees: Fontainebleau