21.10.20 - ADDITIONAL RESEARCH - Modern Landscape

The Russel Falls, Tasmania. James Haughton Forrest, 1924

 


This landscape was done using oil on canvas  in 1924, by James Haughton Forrest at the age of 99.

Unlike older classical landscapes, this painting is about nature rather than societal status. The only evidence of human life is what appears to be a cabin in the distance that looks small and insignificant, especially against the crashing waterfall and whitewater rapids which are an immense force in nature - more than enough to sweep the building away. Even with this sublime element, the overall feel of the scene is tranquil and idyllic with the naturalistic imagery of lush forests, a mystical hazy sky and a rainbow at the bottom of the three tiered waterfall.

The snow capped mountain in the background uses very soft brush strokes with purple hues. The depth of field that this creates may owe itself to the invention of photography which we explored a couple of weeks ago, and I think it is extremely effective and beautiful.

There seems to be a mountain goat on the foremost rocks on the left, and this little detail emphasises the liveliness of the ecosystem and lack of human interference, giving me an overall sense of escapism and refuge.

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