Environs de Grenoble 1873

Johan Barthold Jongkind made this watercolour painting, Environs de Grenoble, in 1873. It's a sketch of the French city, capturing its buildings nestled against the backdrop of the Alps. What makes this image interesting is Jongkind's choice of subject. In the 19th century, artists often depicted landscapes to evoke feelings about the sublime and the power of nature. Jongkind, however, integrates the town into the landscape. This suggests a changing relationship between people and nature, shaped by the growth of urban centres and the industrial revolution. The impressionistic style that Jongkind uses here, with his emphasis on light and atmosphere, reflects a shift towards a more subjective and personal experience of the world. To fully understand this work, it helps to consider the cultural and historical context of 19th-century France and the rise of tourism. By researching these factors, we can better understand the complex interplay between art, society, and individual expression.