The artwork titled “Les Invalides,” created by Henry Ossawa Tanner in 1896, is an exemplary piece of the Impressionism art movement. Categorized as a cityscape, this painting is displayed at the Terra Museum of American Art in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
In this evocative artwork, Tanner masterfully captures the grandeur of the iconic Les Invalides building in Paris, with its prominent dome rising gracefully under a subtly clouded sky. The muted, diffused light typical of Impressionist works creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere. In the foreground, faint figures, including a lady in dark attire and a small dog, are sketched with soft brushstrokes, giving a sense of leisurely motion and quiet elegance to the urban landscape. The use of subdued color tones and Tanner’s deft handling of light and shadow both reflect and enhance the tranquil mood of the scene, illustrating the artist’s Impressionist sensibilities.
