Thomas Fearnley – Escarpment with Tree Stumps, Romsdal Metropolitan Museum: part 3

The canvas presents a dramatic landscape dominated by a steep escarpment and the remnants of felled trees. The composition is structured around this central incline, which rises from the lower portion of the frame towards a densely wooded area at the top. A significant number of tree stumps are scattered across the slope, their pale bark contrasting sharply with the darker greens and browns of the surrounding vegetation. Several slender birch trees, identifiable by their characteristic white trunks, stand amongst the stumps, some leaning precariously over the edge of the escarpment.
The artist employed a loose, expressive brushstroke throughout, creating a sense of immediacy and vitality. The application of paint is particularly noticeable in the rendering of the foliage, where short, broken strokes suggest movement and texture. Light plays an important role; it illuminates the tree stumps and the upper slopes, highlighting their forms while leaving much of the background shrouded in shadow. This contrast enhances the depth of the scene and draws the viewer’s eye towards the central escarpment.
The presence of numerous felled trees introduces a layer of subtext beyond mere representation of nature. The landscape appears to have been subjected to human intervention, suggesting themes of exploitation or transformation of the natural environment. The stumps themselves become symbolic markers of this disruption, evoking a sense of loss and perhaps even melancholy. The remaining birch trees, while seemingly resilient, appear vulnerable against the backdrop of destruction.
The dark framing borders further emphasize the scenes isolation, creating an atmosphere that is both imposing and contemplative. It suggests a deliberate distancing from any human presence, allowing for a focus on the raw power and inherent drama of the landscape itself. The overall effect is one of stark beauty tinged with a sense of underlying tension – a visual meditation on humanity’s relationship to nature and its resources.