Landscape, the Trees
circa 1915
Painted around 1915 when Renoir was nearly 75 and suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis, this vibrant landscape is a testament to his unyielding passion for color despite physical pain. You can actually see the rough weave of the canvas peeking through the thick, swirling dabs of yellow, pink, and green paint, giving the trees a shimmering, almost abstract quality. Because his hands were so crippled by the disease, he often had brushes strapped to his arms, yet he still managed to capture the light of the French countryside with such joyful energy.
- Technique
- Oil on canvas