Lake Brienz Max Buri (1868-1915)

The canvas presents a landscape dominated by a body of water and imposing mountainous terrain. The composition is horizontally oriented, emphasizing the breadth of the vista. A large expanse of water occupies roughly half the frame; its surface reflects the sky above with an almost mirror-like quality, though the reflections are broken up by subtle ripples and disturbances. These watery distortions suggest movement and a sense of depth beyond the immediate foreground.
The mountains rise abruptly from the shoreline, forming a formidable backdrop. The artist employed a palette largely composed of blues and greens, which imbue the scene with a cool, tranquil atmosphere. Variations in tone within these colors delineate the forms of the peaks and slopes, suggesting differing levels of light exposure and atmospheric perspective. Patches of yellow-gold appear on the lower mountain flanks, possibly indicating areas where sunlight catches the terrain or representing vegetation. The highest peaks are partially obscured by a hazy sky, contributing to an impression of vastness and distance.
The brushwork is characterized by short, distinct strokes, applied with visible texture. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and vibrancy to the scene, preventing it from appearing overly smooth or idealized. It also contributes to the overall feeling of atmospheric instability; the broken application of paint suggests a transient moment in time, rather than a static representation.
Subtly, there is an interplay between solidity and fluidity. The mountains project strength and permanence, while the water conveys a sense of constant change and reflection. This contrast might be interpreted as a meditation on the relationship between the enduring natural world and the ephemeral nature of human perception. The limited color range reinforces this feeling; the dominance of blues and greens evokes serenity but also hints at melancholy or introspection. A small vessel is visible near the left edge, its presence suggesting human interaction with the landscape, yet it remains dwarfed by the scale of the surrounding environment, underscoring a sense of humility in the face of natures grandeur.