By the Eure River in Summer 1902

Curator: Up next, we have Gustave Loiseau's "By the Eure River in Summer," painted in 1902. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how hazy it feels, almost humid. You can practically smell the river. And look at the texture! It’s so tactile, I want to reach out and touch it. Curator: Loiseau was deeply invested in the process of painting *en plein air,* directly in front of the motif. He sought to capture the immediate sensory experience of the landscape, and the very visible brushstrokes showcase this endeavor. Considering its place at the turn of the century, and Loiseau’s relation to the Post-Impressionist movement, we can observe how form, particularly the tactile materiality of paint, became the primary subject of exploration here. Editor: It certainly foregrounds a certain modern attention to labor! Look at the almost repetitive strokes in the foliage, giving a sense of rhythm and the hand of the artist is highly visible, rejecting a smooth academic finish. The industrial revolution was in full swing and impacted both production and distribution of materials, granting an affordable, easily transportable toolset, such as pre-mixed paints in tubes, enabling his chosen technique. Curator: Indeed, it's interesting how this artistic method resonated with social and economic transformations, influencing his selection of tools and subject matter. Looking more broadly, his paintings captured landscapes at a pivotal time as both city and country became increasingly connected by new infrastructure. The development of tourist circuits further amplified the popularity of landscapes, such as this scene on the Eure, where visitors like Loiseau sought new perspectives on established themes. Editor: So you are implying Loiseau both documents and perpetuates the cycle of landscape tourism? I do see that, but personally, I see a different quality. The density and repetition in the marks evokes a unique expression; the surface almost vibrating with an internal life of the pigment. I wouldn't discount a pure visual fascination from his process! Curator: Perhaps, perhaps! Either way, the legacy of Loiseau and his approach serves as a valuable example of shifting attitudes toward form and imagery. Editor: I'll definitely be looking for more of that vibrant brushwork next time! It’s truly captivating.