Storm by a Lake 1780

Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes' "Storm by a Lake" reveals the material and social context of early landscape painting through his attention to capturing fleeting atmospheric effects. Valenciennes employed oil paints, carefully layering them to depict the dramatic contrast between the turbulent sky and the serene landscape below. The visible brushstrokes and textural variations imbue the painting with a sense of immediacy. He was interested in making preparatory oil sketches en plein air, but the finished paintings were completed inside the studio. This working method required both keen observational skills and mastery of the craft of painting, reflecting a growing interest in naturalism. By focusing on the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere, Valenciennes elevated landscape painting beyond mere topographical representation. His skillful use of materials and techniques underscores the social significance of landscape as a subject worthy of artistic exploration, challenging traditional hierarchies within the art world.