Description
The "midnight sun" (1940) painting by Eric Ravilus is a work that, beyond its evocative title, captures an atmosphere of serenity and mystery. Ravilious, famous for his talent as a watercolor and for his meticulous attention to detail, offers us here a window to a Nordic landscape that challenges the traditional notions of light and darkness.
In this work, Ravilus takes the most of the qualities of watercolor to transmit ethereal and almost dreamlike clarity. The composition is dominated by vast snow extensions that are deployed under a nuanced sky. The way in which the artist manages the light in "midnight sun" is masterful, creating an effect where the sun, although on the horizon, is present in a dim manner, illuminating the landscape with a diffuse and uniform luminescence. The chromatic choice of Ravilus, which includes a restricted palette of blue, white and gray, reinforces the feeling of coldness and silence.
The landscape in painting is apparently devoid of human figures, which increases the feeling of desolation and tranquility. However, the presence of structures such as buildings and the ship docked on the coast hints human activity and suggest stories not told behind these inanimate objects. These buildings, represented with geometric precision, contrast with the natural softness of snow and ice water, creating a visual tension that is characteristic of Ravilious's work.
It is interesting to note how Ravilus manages to capture the duality of light and shadow at a time when the midnight sun challenges the traditional notion of day and night. This work is not only a will to its technical ability, but also its ability to infuse a sense of calm and reflection in the viewer.
Eric Ravilious, born in 1903, is known for his distinctive style that combines elements of realism and modernism. His work covers pieces that range from quiet landscapes to scenes of everyday life and warlike themes. During World War II, his role as an official war artist allowed him to precisely and sensitivity to the realities of the conflict, which added a layer of intensity and depth to his work. Tragically, Ravilus died in 1942 at the early age of 39 while performing a recognition mission, leaving behind an artistic legacy that is still admired until today.
"Midnight Sun" is a piece that not only shows Ravilus' technical ability, but also its ability to capture fleeting and atmospheric moments with a unique sensitivity. In it, the stillness of the snowy landscape and the peculiar midnight sunlight are melt to create a work that invites contemplation and appreciation of beauty in the most subtle details.
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