Raymond Quenneville – Terre nouvelle, De Raymond Quenneville

The composition presents a layered landscape viewed from an elevated perspective. A series of receding planes define the depth of field, culminating in a distant mountain range shrouded in atmospheric haze. The foreground is dominated by a cluster of dwellings nestled within rolling hills bathed in a warm, golden light. These structures are rendered with simplified geometric forms and bold color blocks – predominantly blues, reds, and yellows – suggesting an idealized or stylized representation rather than a strictly realistic depiction.
The artist employed a limited palette, relying heavily on analogous colors to create a sense of harmony and tranquility. The use of strong diagonals in the hills and fences directs the viewers eye across the scene, reinforcing the feeling of expansive space. A dark band runs along the lower edge of the painting, acting as a visual anchor and intensifying the luminosity of the upper regions.
The arrangement of the houses suggests a small, self-contained community, seemingly integrated into the natural environment. The absence of human figures invites contemplation on the relationship between humanity and landscape. The stylized rendering of the buildings and the overall sense of order imply an aspiration for harmony and prosperity within this rural setting.
Subtly, there is a feeling of melancholy evoked by the muted tones in the distant mountains and the pervasive atmospheric perspective. This suggests that even in idyllic settings, distance and time introduce elements of loss or impermanence. The painting’s overall effect is one of quiet optimism tempered with an awareness of the passage of time and the vastness of nature.