An Olive Tree in the Garden of Gethsemane 1882

Vasily Polenov's "An Olive Tree in the Garden of Gethsemane" (1882), currently housed in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, depicts a solitary olive tree, its gnarled trunk and thick foliage dominating the foreground. The painting captures the serenity of the garden where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus prayed before his arrest. The lush greenery and distant view of a walled city create a sense of peace and contemplation, reflecting the solemnity of the biblical scene. The artist's realistic style and meticulous attention to detail bring a sense of authenticity to the landscape, immersing viewers in the sacred setting.