Rays of Sunlight Striking a Woodland Path c. 1815

Friedrich Salathé made this watercolor on paper, titled "Rays of Sunlight Striking a Woodland Path," sometime in the first half of the 19th century. The magic here comes from the way he has handled the watercolor medium, exploiting its transparency to create a sense of dappled light. You can see the white of the paper coming through in areas, enhancing the luminosity. Watercolors were essential to the depiction of landscape at the time, and this was partly due to the material's portability. Think about the labor involved in making such a detailed study. Salathé would have spent hours carefully observing the forest and rendering its complexities with delicate brushstrokes. This reflects a shift in artistic practice, from the grand historical themes of previous eras to a more intimate engagement with the natural world. The artwork invites us to appreciate not only the beauty of the scene, but also the artist’s dedication to his craft.