Le Lot au pied des falaises de St-Cirq-Lapopie 

Henri Martin painted 'Le Lot au pied des falaises de St-Cirq-Lapopie' with oil on canvas, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. The painting depicts a tranquil scene of the Lot river, set against the dramatic cliffs of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie in France. Martin uses a pointillist technique, building up the image with small dabs of colour. This was a progressive style at the time. During this period in France, there was a growing interest in rural landscapes, seen as an escape from the industrializing cities. Artists like Martin helped shape a national identity, associating the French spirit with its picturesque countryside. To understand Martin's place, we can look at the history of art institutions and the art market in France at the time. By exploring exhibition catalogues, critical reviews, and artist biographies, we gain insight into the social and cultural forces that shaped this captivating image.