“Landscape with trees, Calcot-on-the-Thames,” crafted by the esteemed artist John Singer Sargent around the year 1888, is an exemplary work of Impressionism done in oil on canvas. Measuring 50.8 by 68.6 centimeters, this landscape genre painting captures the essence of nature in a private collection setting.
The artwork depicts a serene and somewhat melancholic portrayal of Calcot-on-the-Thames. The scene is dominated by a pair of prominently featured, leafless trees that stand amidst a rustic landscape. The trees’ branches, almost chaotic in their reach, present an organic silhouette against a backdrop of gentle rolling fields and a meandering river. The brushwork is characterized by expressive, fluid strokes typical of the Impressionist movement, capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. The palette is muted with earthy browns, greens, and soft blues, evoking the late autumn or early winter season. The distant horizon is softly blurred, enhancing the sense of depth and tranquility in this pastoral scene.