Artwork

Nubes en la sierra

Nubes en la sierra, by Walter de Navazio, oil, 1915
Nubes en la sierra, by Walter de Navazio, oil, 1915

Nubes en la sierra is an oil painting by Walter de Navazio. It dates from 1915 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.

About this work

Overview

Walter de Navazio’s 1915 oil on canvas, titled “Nubes en la sierra,” belongs to the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires. The work presents a tranquil mountainous landscape under a clear blue sky, where clouds drift above a foreground of trees, shrubs and a swath of violet‑hued flowers.

Subject & Meaning

The composition balances the solidity of the distant range with the softness of the sky, suggesting a harmonious relationship between land and atmosphere. The gentle coloration of the flora and the calm expanse of clouds convey a mood of peaceful observation, inviting contemplation of nature’s quiet grandeur.

Technique & Style

De Navazio employs a bold, expressive brushwork that imparts texture to both foliage and sky, while layered glazing enhances the depth of color, especially in the violet field and distant mountains. The interplay of thick strokes and subtle tonal shifts creates a three‑dimensional sense of space within the flat surface.

History & Provenance

Painted during the artist’s early mature period, the canvas entered the National Museum of Fine Arts’ holdings shortly after its creation, becoming part of the institution’s early 20th‑century Argentine collection. Its accession reflects the museum’s commitment to preserving works that document regional landscape painting of that era.

Context

Created amid a broader interest in Argentine natural scenery, the painting aligns with contemporary trends that emphasized plein‑air observation and national identity through depictions of the Andes foothills. De Navazio’s approach mirrors the period’s shift toward more personal, emotive renderings of familiar terrain.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Walter de Navazio

Artist

Walter de Navazio

Walter de Navazio (1887–1921) was an artist, born in Bell Ville.