Autumn River Scene, The Brook

About this work

You see a quiet river winding through golden trees, their leaves just starting to turn. A few ducks float near the bank, and a small wooden bridge crosses the water in the distance. Bates painted this in 1889, when most artists were trying bold new styles. He stuck with careful, soft details instead—almost like a photograph, but warmer. The light on the water looks real enough to touch. If you like this, try more works in the Art Institute of Chicago. They have plenty of peaceful scenes like it.