Description
The analysis of "The growing tide" (1913) by Félix Vallotton immerses us in a characteristic pictorial universe of this Swiss artist, known by his meticulous style and his ability to capture the almost tangible sensation of the daily scenes. In this work, Vallotton transports us to a coastal strip where the naturalist and symbolism are intertwined with mastery.
When observing the paint, one is immediately captivated by the vast extension of the sky, which occupies more than half of the canvas. This sky, with its pastel tones that go from blue to the pearl gray, establishes a delicate chromatic balance with the growing tide strip that approaches the shore. Vallotton demonstrates its mastery of color and atmosphere, using a restricted but effective palette that communicates both serenity and a subtle omen.
The sea, in a meek movement towards the shore, reflects a deep blue that mixes with lighter tones as the sand approaches, hinting the transparency and constant change of waters. Vallotton perfectly captures the transparency of water and its encounter with the Earth, with a realism that gives the scene an almost tactile quality.
The composition of the work is equally remarkable. Vallotton divides the pictorial space horizontally, creating a visual rhythm that directs the viewer's gaze towards the horizon, where the sea and the sky are in a quiet but uncertain coexistence. There are no human figures in this scene, which enhances a feeling of calm and, perhaps, a silent contemplation before the majesty of nature.
One of the most fascinating aspects of "the growing tide" is its ability to suggest a narrative without the need for characters. The absence of human figures allows the viewer to project on the scene, offering personal meditation on natural forces and the passage of time. The work reflects Vallotton's talent to capture fleeting moments and eternalize them in the fabric, a palpable feature in many of his other paintings landscapes of the early twentieth century.
In the context of Félix Vallotton's artistic career, "the growing tide" is inserted in a period where the artist explores landscape themes with greater depth. This approach to nature contrasts with its first works, more oriented towards the human figure and the portrait, and reflects an evolution towards a freer and more personal interpretation of the natural world.
The serenity and precision of this maritime scene demonstrate the influence that the symbolists and the Nabis exerted on Vallotton. The tendency towards flat shapes and well-defined colors becomes evident, as well as a certain Japanese quality in its treatment of space and the pictorial surface, reminiscent of the Ukiyo-E prints that I admired so much.
"The growing tide" is a work that, with its apparent simplicity, manages to capture the emotional complexity of a natural scene. Félix Vallotton invites us to stop and contemplate the interaction between heaven, earth and the sea, revealing a universal truth through the intimate observation of the world around us. This painting It is, without a doubt, a testimony of the artist's ability to transform the everyday into something extraordinary, inviting us to a serene and deep introspection.
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