Le Goût 1907

Lionel Noel Royer made this large painting called 'Le Gout,' or 'Taste,' with oils, at some point in his life. Look at the way the figures sort of float and interact with the earth and sky. It's as if the canvas became a place where dreams and waking life meet. I can almost imagine Royer standing before the canvas, brush in hand, trying to bring these ephemeral visions into being. It's always interesting to see how artists choose to depict the human form, what they choose to leave out or highlight. I wonder if he intended to capture a fleeting moment, or perhaps convey something deeper about the relationship between humanity and nature? Consider the deer drinking at the stream. It’s a quiet moment, but it speaks volumes about our connection to the natural world. Ultimately, paintings invite us into a space of contemplation and invite a multitude of readings.