By the river Yaudet Henri Lebasque

The canvas presents a scene centered around a body of water, likely a river or stream, viewed through a screen of slender trees. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the height of the foliage and the distant landscape. Two figures are positioned in the foreground on a grassy bank; one seated, seemingly engaged in contemplation, while the other stands slightly further away, facing towards the water. Both appear to be women, though details are obscured by the painterly style.
The artist employed a technique characterized by loose brushstrokes and an emphasis on color rather than precise form. The trees, rendered with vertical strokes of varying greens, browns, and grays, create a sense of depth and visual texture. These trunks partially obscure the view of the water, which is depicted in muted yellows, oranges, and pinks, suggesting either sunset or sunrise. A distant hillside, painted in warm earth tones, rises beyond the riverbank, contributing to the overall feeling of tranquility and seclusion.
The color palette is dominated by earthy hues, with occasional flashes of brighter colors that animate the scene. The light appears diffused, creating a soft atmosphere. Theres an intentional lack of sharp definition; edges are blurred, and forms blend into one another. This contributes to a dreamlike quality, suggesting a focus on mood and feeling rather than photographic realism.
Subtly, the painting evokes themes of solitude and introspection. The placement of the figures – one seated in quiet repose, the other seemingly lost in thought – suggests a moment of personal reflection within a natural setting. The obscured view of the water could symbolize hidden depths or unexplored emotions. The overall impression is one of peacefulness tinged with melancholy, inviting contemplation on the relationship between humanity and nature. The deliberate ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations; it’s less about depicting a specific event than conveying an emotional state.