Artwork
The Spring
The Spring is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Barthélemy Menn. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Spring is an oil painting by Barthélemy Menn, a Swiss artist active in the 19th century. The work exemplifies Menn's evolving style during the mid-1800s.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene mountainous landscape with two figures, one bending over a stream, evoking the classical figure of Narcissus. The scene combines elements of landscape and genre painting, reflecting Menn's interest in rural subjects and the effects of natural light.
Technique & Style
Menn's use of light and color creates a sense of depth in the painting. The work is characterized by a broader, freer approach to nature, influenced by the style of Corot and the Barbizon school, and shows an interest in capturing light in plein-air, a technique associated with the Realist movement.
History & Provenance
The painting is dated to the late 1850s, a period when Menn was transitioning away from historical subjects under Ingres' influence towards a more naturalistic style. It is now held at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Barthélemy Menn (20 May 1815 – 10 October 1893) was a Swiss painter and draughtsman who introduced the principles of plein-air painting and the paysage intime into Swiss art.
