By the Eure River in Summer 1902 Gustave Loiseau

The canvas presents a tranquil waterscape dominated by lush vegetation and a diffuse sky. A body of water, likely a river or pond, occupies the foreground, its surface reflecting the surrounding foliage and atmospheric conditions with a shimmering quality. The reflections are not precise duplicates but rather fragmented impressions of color and light, contributing to an overall sense of fluidity and movement.
Dense trees form a significant portion of the left side of the composition. Their leaves are rendered in varying shades of green, applied with short, broken brushstrokes that suggest both volume and the play of sunlight filtering through the canopy. The artist has avoided sharp outlines; instead, the foliage merges into the background, creating an impression of depth and atmospheric perspective.
To the right of the trees, a meadow stretches towards the horizon. Here we see a transition from the immediate foreground to a more distant view, with the landscape gradually softening in tone and detail. A line of trees is visible on the far bank, further receding into the distance. The sky above is overcast, painted with delicate washes of grey, blue, and white that evoke a sense of quiet contemplation.
The color palette is predominantly green and blue, punctuated by touches of yellow and orange in the meadow’s grasses and wildflowers. These warmer tones provide visual contrast against the cooler hues of the water and sky. The application of paint appears to be loose and spontaneous, with visible brushstrokes that contribute to the paintings overall impressionistic style.
Subtly, the work conveys a sense of stillness and serenity. It is not a depiction of dramatic action or narrative; rather, it captures a fleeting moment in time – a quiet summer afternoon by the water’s edge. The lack of human presence reinforces this feeling of solitude and invites contemplation of natures beauty. The emphasis on light and color suggests an interest in capturing sensory experience over precise representation.