Seine-Ufer bei Fontainebleau 

Karl Peter Burnitz created this watercolor painting of the Seine-Ufer bei Fontainebleau while working in France. Burnitz was born in 1824, and emerged during a time of social and political upheaval. This landscape shows a subtle intersection of nature and society. The quiet Seine River becomes a mirror, reflecting the soft sky, while the distant buildings and passing boats situate it in relation to human activity. There is a path on the left with a lone figure walking away from us. What is their relationship to the scene? The painting is understated and invites the viewer to experience a quiet moment on the edge of the water. It’s a personal glimpse into a landscape that has historically been home to both the working class and the vacationing elite. This work reflects a moment of peace, while hinting at a larger, more complex social landscape.