The artwork “Willow tree by the lake” was created by Ferdinand Hodler in 1890. Executed in oil on canvas and measuring 46 x 33 cm, this landscape painting is associated with the Post-Impressionism art movement. The painting captures a serene scene featuring a willow tree set against the backdrop of a tranquil lake with gentle brushstrokes and attention to the subtleties of light and color typical of the period.
In the artwork, a lone willow tree stands prominently in the foreground, its delicate branches and sparse foliage bending gracefully in the breeze. The tree’s slender limbs extend upward, contrasting against the pale, softly lit sky that occupies much of the background. Below the tree, a gentle shoreline composed of rocks and patches of grass leads the eye towards the calm waters of the lake, which gently ripple and reflect the pastel hues of the sky. The painting is imbued with a tranquil and meditative atmosphere, capturing the quiet elegance of nature. The subtle color palette and loose brushwork evoke a sense of fleeting beauty, characteristic of the Post-Impressionist approach to capturing the essence of a moment.
