An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
Sawmill, Outskirts of ParisHenri Rousseau
French, 1844-1910
c. 1893/95
France
25.5 × 45.5 cm (10 × 17 7/8 in.)
Oil on canvas
Bequest of Kate L. Brewster
['countryside', 'France', 'people', 'plants', 'mills', 'trees', 'landscapes']
['oil on canvas', 'painting', 'european painting']
In the gentle embrace of dawn, a serene landscape unfolds, revealing the quiet symphony of nature and human toil. Henri Rousseau, with the tender strokes of his brush, invites us into the outskirts of Paris, where a humble sawmill rests amid lush greenery.
The trees stand as sentinels, their leaves whispering secrets to the gentle breeze. A winding path, kissed by the light of a dawning day, leads us towards the distant structure—hunched and industrious, yet harmonious with its surroundings. The sawmill, though a place of labor, emanates a tranquil presence, nestled among the undulating hills and vibrant flora.
To our right, a couple ambles with a child and a loyal dog, their figures silent, absorbed in the stillness that envelops them. The warm hues of autumn foliage embrace the scene, suggesting a period of harvest and reflection. The stark lines of the sawmill contrast beautifully with the softness of the landscape, a reminder that even industry can find a graceful place in the heart of nature.
Rousseau’s vision captures a moment frozen in time—a reverie of rural life, where the pulse of the saw blends seamlessly with the rustle of leaves, inviting us to pause and breathe in the simplicity of existence. Here, in the outskirts of Paris, tranquility reigns, offering a sanctuary for all who seek solace.
About the artist
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