A Tree
- Artist: Achille-Etna Michallon
- Date: about 1816
- Medium: Oil on paper
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "A Tree" by Achille-Etna Michallon, painted in the Italian north. Created around 1816, it's a beautiful example of an oil sketch. You might notice the rough texture of the tree trunk, which was achieved through quick strokes of colour. The artist's master, Pierre-Henri de Valenciennes, often advised his students to focus on capturing the essence of their subjects, and in this case, Michallon has done just that.
The branches twist and curl dramatically, creating a sense of movement and energy. This is likely because Michallon was inspired by the 'elements of perspective' he would have learned from Valenciennes, which emphasized the importance of conveying depth and space in a painting. The contrast between the rugged tree trunk and the delicate branches adds to the overall dynamic effect of this work.
It's interesting to note that the reverse side of this sheet features a different composition entirely - a farmhouse set against a row of trees with a cloud-filled sky above. It gives us a glimpse into Michallon's creative process and his ability to experiment with different ideas and subjects.
See it in person
A Tree hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
