Inter artes et naturam (Between Art and Nature)
The Met
Artist: Pierre Puvis de Chavannes(French, Lyons 1824–1898 Paris)
Date: ca. 1890–95
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 15 7/8 x 44 3/4 in. (40.3 x 113.7 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Harry Payne Bingham, 1958
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A garden scene with numerous figures, classical ruins, a river, and various activities
Detailed Description
A wide, horizontal painting depicts a garden scene populated by numerous figures, set against a backdrop of classical ruins and a distant river under a pale sky. The foreground features a lush green lawn dotted with small plants and a central, oval-shaped pond containing water lilies. On the far left, a woman in a long blue robe stands beneath a tree. To her right, a young man carries a tray laden with pots on his head. Nearby, a woman in a light blue dress sits on a stone bench, playing a stringed instrument, while another woman in a light purple dress stands, holding a white flower, looking towards the musician. In the immediate foreground, a woman in a white dress reclines on the grass, facing away from the viewer. Moving towards the center, two men are digging in the earth with tools. Behind them, a large, weathered archway of ruins is visible. To their right, a woman in a light pink dress carries a child on her back, both looking upwards. Further right, a young boy in a simple tunic walks across the grass, looking downwards. On the right side of the composition, a group of four men stands together, some holding scrolls or what appear to be musical instruments. One of these men wears a blue hat. Behind this group, classical columns and additional ruins are visible, with a wide river and distant land stretching into the background. A woman in a light-colored dress stands near these ruins, looking towards the right. Below her, a seated woman in a dark robe cradles a child. In the right foreground, a man in a light brown shirt and pants sits on the grass, leaning his head on his hand. The painting uses a muted color palette, predominantly featuring greens, blues, and earthy tones.
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