Le coup de vent 1850 - 1860

This is "Le coup de vent" by Félix Ziem, but the date of its making is unknown. Its composition is dominated by an expressive tree, seemingly caught in a gust of wind. The color palette is muted, yet the brushwork is vigorous. Ziem's focus on the transient effects of nature aligns with the Impressionist movement, yet his approach differs. Instead of capturing a fleeting moment of light, Ziem emphasizes the raw energy of the wind. Notice how the tree’s branches are blurred, almost dissolving into the sky, conveying movement and force. The texture of the paint itself becomes a signifier of the wind’s chaotic power. Consider how Ziem uses the formal elements to disrupt traditional landscape painting. By foregoing a clear, legible space in favor of an emotive, almost abstract representation, he invites us to experience nature not as a picturesque scene, but as a visceral, dynamic force.