Entrée de village 

Henri Martin created this sketch, "Entrée de village," using graphite on paper, presenting us with a village entrance dominated by vertical lines and a muted palette. The eye is led through tall, slender trees to the village’s architecture, particularly a prominent church tower. The composition is structured by these verticals, which frame the scene and create a sense of depth despite the sketch’s flat perspective. Martin employs a delicate, almost hesitant line, building form through a series of short, overlapping strokes. This technique reflects an interest in capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere, influenced by Impressionism. The limited tonal range emphasizes the structural elements of the composition, drawing attention to the rhythmic repetition of shapes and the interplay between the natural and built environments. Ultimately, it is this emphasis on form over detail that invites us to consider how Martin uses the village as a motif to explore broader themes of structure, space, and the act of seeing.