The Old Elm Tree
1900
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1900
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This sketch shows a lone, gnarled tree with bare branches leaning over a small, weathered house. The tree’s roots spread across the ground, and its trunk is thick and twisted. Behind the house, a few other simple buildings sit in the distance, all drawn with quick, sketchy lines. The artist focused on texture—every crack in the wood and every rough stroke of the tree’s bark feels real. It’s like the scene was drawn in one quick go, full of energy. If you like this style, check out Tigrane Polat (French, 1874-) for more of his work.
