Old Tower at Avignon c. 1875

Samuel Colman’s, Old Tower at Avignon presents us with a scene composed of muted earth tones under a clouded sky, rendered in oil on canvas. The tower, a solid form, dominates the composition through its verticality and placement slightly off-center. The surrounding structures are softened, almost dissolving into the landscape, which creates an atmospheric perspective. This approach evokes a sense of serene contemplation. Colman’s painting flirts with the semiotic interplay between the solidity of architecture and the fluidity of nature. The tower itself can be seen as a signifier of human endurance, while the transient clouds and reflective water point towards nature's constant flux. This juxtaposition challenges a fixed interpretation, inviting reflection on themes of time and the built environment. Observe how the materiality of paint – its texture and application – plays a crucial role. The brushstrokes, though subtle, contribute to a sense of movement, particularly in the water and sky. Colman uses these elements to create a space where the boundaries between object and atmosphere blur, leading to a richer, more ambiguous viewing experience.