Artwork Page for The Oak Tree and the Reed

Details / Information for The Oak Tree and the Reed

The Oak Tree and the Reed

c. 1873

Charles François Daubigny

(French, 1817–1878)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
blue, gray, and black wash, and graphite
Support
Cream wove paper
Measurements
Sheet: 29.3 x 23 cm (11 9/16 x 9 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of Muriel Butkin 2008.357
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

The Oak Tree and the Reed illustrates the fable of the same name by the 17th-century French writer Jean de La Fontaine (1621-1695). Having disdainfully pitied the reed for bending before the wind, the oak is shown torn from the earth by a terrific north wind. Focusing upon the uprooted oak, Daubigny created a violently expressive treatment of the subject. The bold dappling of lights and darks below is set off by the intense blue of the clouds encroaching upon the land from the left. The diagonal streaks of thin-ly applied gray wash above suggest driving rain.
A vertically oriented drawing in wash and graphite depicts a stormy landscape, where a gnarled tree trunk leans right amidst dark blue and black washes. Diagonal gray streaks fill the upper half to suggest falling rain. Scribbled graphite lines form dense vegetation and thin stalks in the foreground. At the bottom right, cursive handwriting reads "a mon ami Giacomelli Daubigny."

The Oak Tree and the Reed

c. 1873

Charles François Daubigny

(French, 1817–1878)
France, 19th century

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