The Cathedral 1910

Rose O'Neill's 'The Cathedral' is made with oil paints, giving us this dreamy impression of a landmark emerging from the landscape. The way O'Neill handles the paint here is so interesting; it's all about these gentle, almost blurred strokes that create a soft, hazy atmosphere. Looking closely, you can see how the texture isn't about smooth surfaces, but more about layers and layers of delicate colour. See how she uses these touches of yellow and brown in the trees that seem to lead your eye to the building itself? It's like she's not just painting what she sees, but also how she feels, creating this sense of awe and reverence. O'Neill was known for her illustrations, but this painting shows a different side, one that connects her to artists like Whistler, who were exploring the mood and feeling of a place. It's a reminder that art can be about capturing the fleeting moments of beauty that surround us.