Édouard Bertin – Ravine at Sorrento Metropolitan Museum: part 3

The canvas presents a dramatic verticality, dominated by the imposing presence of a deep ravine. The artist has chosen to depict a scene characterized by rugged terrain and dense vegetation, conveying a sense of enclosure and natural power. Here we see towering rock faces on either side, their surfaces textured with layers of earth tones – ochres, browns, and umbers – suggesting geological age and weathering.
The light source appears to be diffused, casting a soft glow across the scene without creating harsh shadows. This contributes to an overall atmosphere of tranquility despite the imposing scale of the landscape. The foliage is abundant, clinging to the rock faces and spilling over the edges in a riot of green hues. Individual leaves are not rendered with meticulous detail; instead, they coalesce into masses of color, emphasizing the density and wildness of the growth.
A stream or small body of water occupies the foreground, its surface reflecting the muted light above. The presence of water introduces an element of movement and life to the otherwise static composition. Rocks jut out from the water’s edge, adding further texture and visual interest.
The artists brushwork is loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the foliage and rock faces. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the work. The overall effect is one of awe-inspiring grandeur, evoking a feeling of being immersed within an untouched natural environment.
Subtly, there’s a suggestion of human absence; the scene feels pristine and undisturbed. While the composition directs the viewers gaze upwards towards the ravines opening, it also emphasizes the overwhelming power of nature over any potential human presence or intervention. The painting conveys not just a visual representation of a landscape but also an emotional response to its scale and beauty – a quiet contemplation of the sublime.