"Mulberry Tree" and "Chestnut Trees": Post-impressionism in The 19th Century

By the 1880s, Post-Impressionism was emerging in Western Europe, with its techniques and methodologies gaining traction. Spearheaded by artists like Paul Gauguin and Georges Seurat, this movement both extended and challenged the principles of Impressionism. Two pivotal figures of this era, Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh, produced works that significantly shaped the landscape of art. Cézanne’s "Farmhouse and Chestnut Trees at the Jas de Bouffan" and van Gogh’s "Mulberry Tree," created in 1885 and 1889 respectively, exemplify the diverse expressions of Post-Impressionist art. While stylistically distinct, both pieces resonate with a shared musicality of the world and an intimate engagement with the spectrum of human emotion.

Contextualizing Post-Impressionism

To understand these works, it is crucial to contextualize them within their artistic lineage. Impressionism initially concentrated on the technical aspects of painting, striving to capture ephemeral moments of light and form. Charles Baudelaire famously remarked that the artist's role was to depict “the passing moment.” However, Post-Impressionists, including van Gogh, contested this notion; van Gogh famously expressed his desire to paint eternity. While they continued to employ vibrant colors and everyday subject matter, they shifted focus from mere representation to infusing their art with emotional depth through symbolist forms. Their approach emphasized a subjective interpretation, laden with memories and feelings that sought to connect with the viewer on a deeper level.

Cézanne’s "Farmhouse and Chestnut Trees at the Jas de Bouffan"

Cézanne’s "Farmhouse and Chestnut Trees at the Jas de Bouffan" serves as a quintessential example of Post-Impressionism. This piece features a farmhouse, part of Cézanne’s own estate, framed by chestnut trees. Unlike traditional artists who aimed for precise representation, Cézanne sought to convey the sensations evoked by his subject. The painting is dominated by muted organic hues of greens and yellows, with the tree trunks and buildings abstracted to their geometric essence.

Key elements of this work include:

• Color Palette: Muted greens and yellows dominate, suggesting a serene atmosphere.
• Geometric Simplification: The farmhouse and trees are reduced to basic shapes, emphasizing their structural essence.
• Emotional Resonance: The absence of human presence invites viewers to reflect on familiarity and isolation.

Cézanne’s choice to focus on the chestnut trees and the modest farmhouse reflects a deep connection to his environment. The thin application of paint in certain areas allows the canvas to show through, creating a dreamlike quality, especially with the amorphous chestnut branches. The foliage is depicted using short, parallel, and diagonal brushstrokes, suggesting movement within a systematic composition. The overall lack of texture directs attention to the organization and volume of the objects rather than their physical construction, imbuing the piece with a sense of calm and order.

However, this reductionist style also evokes a sense of isolation. The landscape, while balanced, appears devoid of life; there are no signs of human activity, such as laundry hanging or tools in the yard. Cézanne captures the duality of comfort and isolation, presenting a serene yet emotionally charged landscape that resonates with viewers on a profound level. His work transcends the mere depiction of a moment, offering a glimpse into his emotional landscape and inviting the observer to share in his nostalgia.

Van Gogh’s "Mulberry Tree"

In contrast, Vincent van Gogh’s "Mulberry Tree," painted just a year before his mental health declined, embodies a chaotic energy amid the swirling autumn colors. This artwork features a solitary mulberry tree on a mountainside, presenting a striking study in contrasts. Van Gogh paints the ground in pale tones with short, energetic strokes, while the trunk of the tree is depicted in dark, sinuous lines. The leaves, rendered in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, curl and stretch across the canvas, giving the impression of a tree ablaze.

Key features of "Mulberry Tree" include:

• Contrasting Colors: The vibrant autumn leaves contrast sharply with the calming cerulean sky.
• Textural Depth: The thick layers of paint create a sculptural effect, adding a three-dimensional quality to the tree.
• Emotional Expression: The chaotic swirls reflect van Gogh’s inner turmoil and deep emotional state.

The juxtaposition of the energetic leaves against the tranquil sky highlights the complex emotions van Gogh sought to convey. The swirling brushstrokes suggest both chaos and vitality, embodying the conflicting sensations of life’s transient nature. His technique allows the mulberry tree to become a vessel for expressing his innermost thoughts and feelings, transcending its physical form.

Comparative Analysis of the Two Works

While both paintings evoke deep emotional responses, they differ significantly in their artistic approaches. Cézanne’s "Chestnut Trees" leans toward a serene, geometric style, focusing on the essence of the objects. In contrast, van Gogh’s "Mulberry Tree" embraces a more chaotic and expressive technique, emphasizing emotional depth through vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes. Together, they showcase the diverse possibilities within Post-Impressionism.

Ultimately, both "Mulberry Tree" and "Chestnut Trees" leave a lasting impression of color and complexity, allowing viewers to perceive and feel the world through the artists' eyes. Van Gogh’s dynamic brushwork and vivid colors evoke contrasting emotions, while Cézanne’s reductionist approach conveys a sense of nostalgia and tranquility. Neither painting merely records a landscape; instead, they synthesize their experiences, highlighting the intricate interplay of emotions and perceptions that define the Post-Impressionist movement.

References:

• Gauguin, Paul. "The Vision After the Sermon." 1888.
• Seurat, Georges. "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." 1884-1886.
• Baudelaire, Charles. "The Painter of Modern Life." 1863.
• van Gogh, Vincent. "Letters to Theo." Various Dates.
• Cézanne, Paul. "The Bathers." 1890-1892.