View of the Ile Saint Louis from the Quai Henri IV Study (1909) by Henri Rousseau

The artwork titled “View of the Ile Saint Louis from the Quai Henri IV Study” is a creation by Henri Rousseau, dated to 1909. This oil on canvas composition is emblematic of the Post-Impressionism movement, and it falls under the genre of cityscape.

The artwork presents a muted palette dominated by earthy tones that convey a somber atmosphere. It depicts a scene of the Ile Saint Louis as viewed from the Quai Henri IV, a quay along the Seine River in Paris. In the foreground, the details are sparse, but a sense of everyday life is suggested by the presence of a figure and a horse-drawn vehicle. A body of water occupies the central portion of the composition, presumably representing the Seine River, with the silhouette of a bridge traversing it.

In the middle distance, the urban landscape of the Ile Saint Louis is sketched with a light touch. The far shoreline is lined with what appears to be trees and buildings. Notably, the architecture is hinted at rather than fully articulated, which leaves much to the viewer’s imagination. The sky, occupying the upper third of the canvas, is depicted with broad, horizontal brushstrokes, giving the impression of a cloudy or overcast day.

Overall, the composition captures a sense of tranquility combined with the gentle bustle of city life. Rousseau’s style here reflects the Post-Impressionist inclination toward a more personal and expressive rendition of the subject matter than the naturalistic representation found in earlier artistic movements.

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