Sunlight Filtering through Trees along the River Sihl
1792
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1792
gouache
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This painting shows a river cutting through a forest. Tall trees with thin trunks line the water, their leaves a mix of green and yellow. Light filters through the branches, making patches of brightness on the ground. In the distance, a waterfall spills into the river, and a few cows graze near the shore. The artist used soft colors and loose brushstrokes to create a peaceful, dreamy feel. The focus isn’t on sharp details but on how light and shadow play across the scene. Want to learn more? Check out Romanticism for how artists used nature to express emotion.