Artwork
Landscape with two Trees
Landscape with two Trees is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriël. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on two prominent broad-leaved trees that cast shadows along a path and a grassy shore adjacent to a watercourse.
Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriël’s Landscape with two Trees represents a naturalistic scene focused on the interplay of light and shadow within a rural environment. The composition centers on two prominent broad-leaved trees that cast shadows along a path and a grassy shore adjacent to a watercourse. A woman wearing a skirt and shawl is depicted walking along this path, anchoring the human presence within the expansive landscape.
The scene is rendered in contre-jour, meaning the light source originates from behind the trees, emphasizing the contrast between the illuminated sky and daylight and the cast shadows on the ground. Through this emphasis on optical effects and the everyday quality of the rural stroll, the work captures a fleeting atmospheric moment rather than conveying a specific narrative or allegorical meaning.
Technique & Style
Landscape with two Trees is an oil painting on panel dated 1860. The work measures approximately 13.2 cm in height and 18.5 cm in width. Executed in oil paint, it exemplifies the landscape genre, depicting a broad‑leaved tree, watercourse, shore, grass, a path, and a figure in a skirt and shawl walking against the light.
The panel support provides a smooth surface for the artist’s handling of the medium, though specific details of technique or condition are not recorded in the sources.
History & Provenance
Landscape with two Trees is an oil painting on panel created by Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriël in 1860. The work depicts a landscape scene featuring broad-leaved trees, a watercourse, and a figure of a woman walking along a path. It is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
The painting measures 13.2 cm in height and 18.5 cm in width. While the specific commission details and the full chain of ownership prior to its museum acquisition are not detailed in the available records, the work's creation date is firmly established as 1860. The piece is classified as a landscape painting and utilizes oil paint as its medium.
Overview
This oil painting, titled Landscape with two Trees, presents a tranquil outdoor scene. It features a pair of prominent trees framing a winding path, along which a solitary figure walks away from the viewer. The composition evokes a sense of calm, with a soft, luminous sky contributing to the peaceful ambiance. The artist's approach emphasizes a harmonious balance between natural elements and human presence.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriël
Paul Joseph Constantin Gabriël or Paul Gabriël (5 July 1828 – 23 August 1903) was a painter, draftsman, watercolorist, and etcher who belonged to the Hague School.
