Le Saule 1889

Léo Gausson painted "Le Saule" using oil paint on canvas, a traditional method for landscape painting. The material qualities of oil paint are crucial here. Gausson applied the paint in thick, visible strokes, giving the scene a textured, almost tangible quality. Look at how the paint handling suggests the roughness of bark and the density of foliage. It’s a direct translation of the artist’s experience into material form. While the subject matter seems straightforward, even pastoral, the labor involved in producing the painting shouldn't be overlooked. From the preparation of the canvas and grinding of pigments to the physical act of painting, Gausson engaged in a hands-on process that was both skilled and time-consuming. This stands in contrast to the industrialized world that was rapidly emerging during his time. So, by considering the materials, the making, and the context, we can appreciate the richness and complexity of even the simplest-seeming landscape.