schille provence c1914 Marjett Schille

The painting presents a landscape viewed from an elevated position, likely overlooking a valley or plain in a rural setting. The composition is dominated by a sweeping vista that recedes into the distance, punctuated by dense foliage and clusters of trees. A settlement, seemingly a village or small town, sits atop a distant ridge, its buildings rendered as indistinct shapes against the sky.
The artist’s approach to color is striking. Hues are applied in broad, unblended strokes, creating a vibrant and somewhat abstracted representation of reality. Greens, yellows, purples, and oranges intermingle freely, suggesting an intense sunlight and a palpable warmth. The trees in the foreground are particularly notable for their dark silhouettes, contrasting sharply with the brighter tones of the surrounding vegetation. These forms appear almost monolithic, anchoring the composition while simultaneously directing the viewer’s eye towards the distant horizon.
The brushwork is loose and expressive, conveying a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. Theres an absence of meticulous detail; instead, the artist prioritizes capturing the overall impression of light and color. This technique lends the scene a dreamlike quality, as if viewed through a haze or filtered by memory.
Subtly, there’s a feeling of tranquility conveyed despite the energetic application of paint. The elevated viewpoint suggests contemplation, an observation from afar. The indistinct nature of the settlement in the distance hints at a detachment from human activity, emphasizing the dominance of the natural world. It is possible to interpret this as a celebration of rural life and the beauty of the landscape, but also perhaps as a commentary on the passage of time and the impermanence of human endeavors against the backdrop of nature’s enduring presence. The overall effect is one of serene observation, imbued with a sense of nostalgia or longing for a simpler existence.