The Abersee 1913

Koloman Moser painted ‘The Abersee’ using oil on canvas, though its date is unknown. The canvas feels like a tapestry of small brushstrokes, almost mosaic-like. Moser isn’t trying to hide his process; in fact, he’s flaunting it. Look at the way he builds up the mountains in the background, short strokes of lilac, ochre, and olive, each one distinct but working together to create form. The paint isn’t thick, more like a stain, allowing the texture of the canvas to peek through and add another layer of visual interest. I’m drawn to the water, to those horizontal lines that capture the reflections of the sky and the mountains, using a delicate palette of greens and blues. It feels serene, still. Moser’s piece reminds me of Vuillard’s landscapes, both having an eye for the quiet beauty of everyday life. Art isn’t just about grand statements, it’s about capturing a moment, a feeling, a way of seeing the world.