The artwork titled “Riverside (Breton landscape)” is an oil on canvas painting completed by Paul Gauguin in 1879 in France. Measuring 31 by 47 centimeters, this landscape masterpiece represents the Impressionist movement and currently belongs to a private collection. In this painting, Gauguin depicts a rural scene imbued with the atmospheric qualities characteristic of Impressionism.
The artwork captures a serene landscape characterized by a river in the foreground, which gently meanders through the scene. A sparse arrangement of trees flank the riverbank, one notably positioned in the immediate foreground, providing a sense of depth and perspective. The water reflects the sky above, hinting at the movement of light and clouds. In the middle distance, a red-roofed building grounds the composition and offers a vibrant contrast to the predominant greens and blues. The background features rolling hills that recede under a dynamic, overcast sky. The painterly brushstrokes and the naturalistic color palette are typical of the Impressionist style, aiming to evoke the changing light and mood of the moment. The brushwork is loose and expressive, allowing for an interplay of light and color that conveys the transient effects of sunlight and shadow. Through this landscape, Gauguin invites viewers to experience the tranquility and beauty of the Breton countryside.
