The artwork, titled “Chartres Cathedral,” was created by Chaim Soutine around 1934. Using oil on panel as his medium, Soutine produced this cityscape piece within the Expressionism movement. The artwork is currently housed at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
In the artwork, Soutine captures the grandeur of Chartres Cathedral with a distinctly expressive style characterized by vigorous brushstrokes and dramatic use of color. The cathedral’s towering spires dominate the composition, rendered in deep, somber tones that contrast with the lighter, more turbulent sky. The architectural details are distorted, imbuing the structure with a sense of dynamic energy and emotional intensity. The foreground features small buildings that seem dwarfed by the imposing cathedral, adding to the dramatic effect of the scene.