#44017 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The composition presents a cluster of structures dominating the horizon line, rendered in a simplified and somewhat abstracted style. The buildings appear monumental, their forms characterized by rounded domes topped with crosses, suggesting religious or ceremonial significance. A tall, slender tower punctuates the skyline, drawing immediate attention to its verticality.
The color palette is restrained but evocative. Predominantly pinkish-grey tones define the sky and the walls of the structures, creating a sense of distance and perhaps even melancholy. The domes are highlighted with gold or yellow, providing points of visual warmth and emphasizing their symbolic importance. A band of autumnal foliage in shades of yellow and dark green occupies the lower portion of the canvas, contrasting with the cooler tones above and introducing an element of natural vibrancy. Dark, silhouetted trees further frame the scene, adding depth and a sense of enclosure.
The artist’s brushwork is visible throughout; short, choppy strokes contribute to the overall impression of immediacy and emotional intensity. The lack of precise detail encourages viewers to focus on the forms and colors rather than specific architectural features. This simplification lends the scene an almost dreamlike quality, suggesting a memory or idealized vision rather than a literal representation.
Subtly, there is a sense of longing embedded within the work. The muted color scheme and simplified forms evoke a feeling of nostalgia for a place that may be distant in time or space. The prominence of religious architecture hints at themes of faith, tradition, and perhaps even loss – a yearning for something beyond the immediate present. The solitary sun positioned high in the sky could symbolize hope or spiritual illumination amidst an otherwise subdued atmosphere.