Who painted Willows of the Mottiaux Islands?

Willows of the Mottiaux Islands was painted by Félix Bracquemond in 1868.

Where can I see Willows of the Mottiaux Islands?

Willows of the Mottiaux Islands is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Willows of the Mottiaux Islands?

Willows of the Mottiaux Islands is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Willows of the Mottiaux Islands?

Museum-quality prints of Willows of the Mottiaux Islands are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Willows of the Mottiaux Islands

Félix Bracquemond , 1868

Willows of the Mottiaux Islands is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Félix Bracquemond. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:by later hand, upper right in graphite: B. 190 / I
Markings: Marked:none

About this work

Overview

Willows of the Mottiaux Islands is an 1868 etching on laid paper by Félix Henri Bracquemond, a French artist pivotal in the revival of printmaking during the late 19th century.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene, natural scene featuring tall, bare willow trees in shallow water, with twisted branches, expansive roots, and long shadows, evoking a sense of tranquility.

Technique & Style

Bracquemond employed etching techniques, carving fine details into a metal plate with a sharp tool, resulting in a soft, sketch-like appearance. The process involved acid-etched metal plates, distinguishing it from direct painting.

History & Provenance

Created in 1868, this work exemplifies Bracquemond's innovative approach to printmaking, influencing contemporaries like Manet and Degas to adopt the medium.

Context

Part of the broader revival of printmaking in 19th-century France, the piece reflects Bracquemond's efforts to elevate the status of etching as a respected artistic medium.

Legacy

Through works like Willows of the Mottiaux Islands, Bracquemond left a lasting impact on the development of printmaking, encouraging its use among prominent artists of his time.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Félix Bracquemond

Félix Henri Bracquemond was a French painter, etcher, and printmaker. He played a key role in the revival of printmaking, encouraging artists such as Édouard Manet, Edgar Degas and Camille Pissarro to use this technique.