Who painted The Belfry by the Willows?

The Belfry by the Willows was painted by Tigrane Polat in 1900.

Where can I see The Belfry by the Willows?

The Belfry by the Willows is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Belfry by the Willows?

Museum-quality prints of The Belfry by the Willows are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Belfry by the Willows

Tigrane Polat , 1900

The Belfry by the Willows is a print by Tigrane Polat. It dates from 1900 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The trees on either side are drawn with quick, scratchy lines, as if wind is blowing through their branches.

This sketch shows a quiet village scene with a church tower rising behind a row of small houses. The trees on either side are drawn with quick, scratchy lines, as if wind is blowing through their branches. In the middle, a low stone wall separates the houses from a narrow path leading to the church.

The artist focused on simple shapes and loose strokes, making the scene feel quick and sketchy. The church tower stands out as the tallest point, while the houses and trees blend into the background.

Check out Tigrane Polat (French, 1874-) to see more of his work.

Overview

Created in 1900 by French artist Tigrane Polat, this print titled “The Belfry by the Willows” is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. It depicts a tranquil village setting, centering on a church tower that rises above modest dwellings and a winding path.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a small settlement where a stone wall separates the homes from a narrow lane that leads to the belfry. Willowy trees flank the scene, their branches rendered in a way that suggests a gentle breeze, emphasizing the calm, everyday life of the locale.

Technique & Style

Polat employs simplified forms and brisk, scratchy strokes that give the print a spontaneous, sketch‑like quality. The dominant vertical of the tower contrasts with the softer, blended outlines of the houses and foliage, creating a visual hierarchy while maintaining an overall sense of immediacy.

History & Provenance

The work was produced at the turn of the twentieth century and later entered the holdings of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in early modern French prints that explore rural themes through economical drawing techniques.