Who painted Under the Trees?

Under the Trees was painted by Philip Wilson Steer in 1908.

Where can I see Under the Trees?

Under the Trees is held by Brooklyn Museum.

What movement is Under the Trees?

Under the Trees is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Under the Trees?

Museum-quality prints of Under the Trees are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Under the Trees

Philip Wilson Steer , 1908

Under the Trees is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Philip Wilson Steer. It dates from 1908 and is held in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1908, *Under the Trees* is an oil painting by British artist Philip Wilson Steer. The work portrays a leisurely outdoor gathering, with figures seated on a grassy lawn beneath a canopy of leafy trees. Its palette is dominated by vibrant greens and blues, emphasizing the dappled shade and the bright atmosphere of a summer picnic.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a small group, including a woman, arranged around a table laden with food. Their attire reflects early‑20th‑century fashion, suggesting a genteel, perhaps middle‑class, recreation. The scene captures a moment of relaxed social interaction, evoking the pleasure of nature and the simple joys of communal dining.

Technique & Style

Steer employs loose, impressionistic brushwork to render light and foliage, allowing color to suggest form rather than precise detail. The handling of oil paint creates a sense of immediacy, with blended greens and blues that convey the shifting illumination beneath the trees. This approach aligns the work with the broader British Impressionist movement of the period.

History & Provenance

Philip Wilson Steer, noted for his landscapes and seascapes, painted *Under the Trees* during his mature phase before turning toward more traditional English influences such as Constable and Turner. The painting entered the collection of the Brooklyn Museum, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of early 20th‑century European art.