Sunshine and Shadow

Maker Constant Troyon (French, 1810 - 1865)

Collections

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Dateca. 1830 - 1840

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions37 7/8 x 51 1/8 in. (96.2 x 129.9 cm.)

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Purchased with funds from the Art Collectors' Council, Frances Crandall Dyke Bequest, Schweppe Art Acquisitions Fund, Robert R. Wark Art Acquisition Fund, Nancy Berman and Alan Bloch, Anne and Jim Rothenberg, Janet and Alan Stanford, Charles and Geneva Thornton, Alyce and Warren Williamson, and Robert and Deborah Wycoff. Gift of Edward W. and Julia B. Bodman Collection, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cummings, Donald E. and Ruth B. Evans, Estate of George Warren Hoffman, Herbert O. Knecht, Mrs. Malcolm McNaghten, Mr. and Mrs. C.C. Moseley, Kate Fowler Merle-Smith, Florence M. Quinn, Kate Van Nuys Page, Bequest of Virginia Steele Scott, and Mrs. Douglas Wright, Jr., by exchange.

Label TextLike many French landscape painters of the mid-nineteenth century, Troyon was inspired by English artist John Constable, whose paintings reflect a deep and methodical study of nature. As its title suggests, Sunshine and Shadow focuses on the interplay between the deep shade of the foreground trees and distant wood and the bright sunlight falling on the bridge and figures in the middle ground. Troyon’s flickering, Constable-like highlights create the feeling that the scene is permeated by brilliance.

Status

On view

Object number2012.6