Artwork
Paysage (Landscape)
Paysage (Landscape) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Paul Sérusier. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1895, this lithographic print by Paul Sérusier presents a tranquil countryside scene. Rendered on heavy Japan paper, the work employs a limited palette of black and blue tones to convey a softly lit sky and gently undulating terrain, inviting quiet contemplation of the natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a stretch of rolling hills punctuated by distant trees beneath a gradient sky. The muted colors and subtle shading suggest a serene atmosphere, emphasizing the quietude of the landscape rather than narrative detail, and encouraging the viewer to experience a sense of calm immersion in nature.
Technique & Style
Sérusier executed the image as a lithograph, using a combination of black and blue inks applied to a heavy Japan paper substrate. The print demonstrates careful modulation of tone, with darker shadows in the foreground hills and lighter washes for the sky, reflecting the artist’s interest in tonal harmony and the expressive potential of the lithographic medium.
History & Provenance
The lithograph was produced in the late nineteenth century, a period when Sérusier was exploring printmaking alongside his painting practice. While specific ownership records are limited, the work has been documented in catalogues of the artist’s oeuvre and appears in collections that focus on French Symbolist and post‑Impressionist prints.
Artist & collection
