An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Landscape by the Lez River1870
Artist: Jean-Frédéric Bazille
French, 1841–1870
Landscape.
54 x 79 in. (137.16 x 200.66 cm) (sight)
66 1/4 x 91 1/2 x 4 in. (168.28 x 232.41 x 10.16 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
France
19th century
The Special Arts Reserve Fund
In the soft glow of June 1870, a young artist named Frédéric Bazille sat in his studio, brush in hand and dreams flowing onto canvas. With a sense of accomplishment and a heart brimming with pride, he penned a note to his father, sharing the news that he had nearly completed a significant work—his “large landscape” titled *Landscape by the River Lez*. The name may have been simple, but the depth of his connection to it, the essence captured within its strokes, was anything but.
But life has a way of shifting in unfathomable directions. Just two weeks later, Frédéric’s path took a tumultuous turn as he enlisted in the French army, swept into the chaos of the Franco-Prussian War. It was a time of uncertainty, where the battlefield loomed menacingly over the artist's tranquil world. He found himself far from the soothing scenes of the river and the serene landscapes he held dear.
As the vibrant colors of fall began to paint the countryside, Frédéric's name would become forever entwined with the echoes of history. He met a tragic fate during combat near Orléans in November, leaving his remarkable potential and untold stories behind. Yet, amongst the tragedy of his early departure, his art remained.
The painting he had spoken of—*Landscape by the River Lez*—was not merely a canvas splashed with color; it was a heartfelt ode to serenity, a reflection of an idealized pastoral life. When Bazille referred to his artwork as an “eclogue,” he hinted at his desire for something lyrical. In the tradition of pastoral poetry, an eclogue dances between dialogues of humble characters, rejoicing in a harmonious world untouched by strife. Though his painting bears no figures, the absence of people adds to its comforting presence, inviting viewers to revel in the beauty of nature’s embrace and to take a moment of respite within its peaceful realms.
In this work, you can almost hear the whispers of rustling leaves and feel the gentle caress of a breeze—the tranquility of an Arcadian dream lingering on the edge of memory. Bazille's vision became a slice of eternity, a quiet conversation between the artist and the viewer, echoing long after the turmoil of war had faded from the streets. Through his brushstrokes, Frédéric Bazille transforms the ephemeral into the eternal, allowing us to glimpse into a world of profound beauty—reminding us, even now, to cherish the peaceful landscapes that life offers amid chaos.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.