The Beginning of Spring, Joaquim Vayreda
Link is to zoomable version on Google Art Project; downloadable file on Wikimedia Commons; original is in the Museu Nacional D’Art de Catalunya.
A wonderful painterly evocation of the cusp of Spring by Spanish painter Joaquim Vayreda, who painted in the Catalan region in Spain in the late 19th century.
Vayreda was the founder of the Olot school, a painting style focused on that area in the Catalan region and much influenced by the painters of the French Barbizon school.
Link: The Beginning of Spring, Google Art Project
Interesting painting for all the reasons you noted, Charley, but as a garden designer/builder, I am disturbed by, and want to know the story behind those huge, “butchered” trees!
Bill
It’s called ‘pollarding’, Bill.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollarding
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=156
Yes, I am familiar with pollarding, but haven’t seen it done on trees that are so large. Usually the practice begins at the height to be controlled. Then, I could be perceiving the scale incorrectly, and the cows could be further in the distance.
Thanks, ælle.
Yes, you frequently see “pollard willows” in Dutch paintings in particular, both contemporary and historic. Those of us in the U.S. tend to forget how long Europe has been heavily populated, and how resources, even tree branches, are often treated quite differently. You’ll sometimes see a similar effect on crepe myrtles, which misguided owners have trimmed this way to force more blossoms.