Renovation of the Old City of Marseille, Rue Caves de l'Oratoire

1862

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Cityscape

Dominant colour

Renovation of the Old City of Marseille, Rue Caves de l'Oratoire is a 1862 by Adolphe Terris, a Impressionism work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Adolphe Terris
When & what style?: 1862 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

The painting depicts a narrow, winding street in the Old City of Marseille, with buildings on either side and a few people visible in the distance. The street is paved with cobblestones and features a few archways and doorways. The buildings appear to be old and worn, with some showing signs of decay. In the foreground, a few people are visible, including a man sitting on a bench and a woman walking down the street. The atmosphere is one of quiet activity, with people going about their daily business. The painting is a representation of everyday life in 19th-century Marseille, and it provides a glimpse into the city's history and culture. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth, explore the works of Adolphe Terris.