Sun through the Poplar 

Henri Martin painted this vibrant landscape, "Sun through the Poplar," using oil paint. Martin was part of a generation of artists in France who wrestled with how to represent modern life. Instead of gritty urban scenes, Martin often depicted rural landscapes. The play of light and shadow through the poplar trees creates a sense of tranquility and harmony. The figures are almost hidden in the scene. France, at the time, was undergoing rapid industrialization. As a result, it might be tempting to see this artwork as a retreat from modern life. However, these idyllic scenes were very popular among the bourgeois classes. Martin exhibited regularly at the Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. The paintings became luxury commodities. When we examine these images, we should explore the social and economic conditions that enabled its production and consumption. By consulting exhibition reviews, collectors’ records, and other primary sources, we can better understand the dialogue between art and society.