The artwork entitled “The road from Montmartre in Paris” was created by the artist Ilya Repin, a renowned figure in the Realism movement. This piece was painted over the course of 1875 to 1876 using oil on cardboard and measures 24.5 by 32.5 centimeters. Captivating audiences with its landscape genre, the artwork is a testament to Repin’s skill and is housed within the prestigious collection of the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.
In the artwork, one can observe the depiction of a road departing from the Montmartre area of Paris. The road itself dominates the foreground, winding towards the horizon and providing a sense of depth within the painting. To the right, there is the edge of a building, giving way to the expansive view beyond, while a large dirt mound to the left further defines the pathway’s edge. The painting captures the raw essence of the landscape through the thick, textural strokes of paint that create a sense of movement and ruggedness.
Repin’s mastery of light and shadow is evident, as the artwork displays a variety of tones and contrasts. The sky is portrayed with broad, sweeping brushstrokes, perhaps implying a windy or overcast day. The distant view presents a panorama of Paris with indistinct outlines of trees and other structures, contrasting with the detailed, impressionistic strokes of the immediate surroundings. This piece, with its Realist approach, focuses on conveying the authentic aesthetic of an ordinary, yet evocative Parisian landscape.