Meridional Landscape (1916)

We invite you to delve into Ernst Schiess's captivating painting "Meridional Landscape," created in 1916, a work that masterfully captures the essence of a tranquil southern landscape bathed in sunlight. In this serene composition, Schiess portrays a quiet, sun-drenched pathway that draws the viewer's eye towards a distant, azure sea, cradled by the soft contours of rolling hills.The scene is framed by architectural elements—a rustic stone wall to the left adorned with a classic green lantern, and a partial view of a building on the right, its stark white facade softened by the gentle play of shadows and light. These structures lend a sense of peaceful seclusion and timelessness to the landscape.Two figures, cloaked in vibrant blues that echo the hues of the sea and sky, walk along the path, adding a human element to the painting yet keeping an air of mystery about their identities and stories. Their presence brings a human scale to the expanse and invites viewers to imagine their own narratives within this idyllic setting.Schiess's use of textured brushwork and a palette dominated by blues and earth tones enhances the warmth and depth of the Mediterranean vista, making "Meridional Landscape" not just a visual experience but a sensory journey into a world of calm and beauty. This painting is an exquisite example of early 20th-century landscape art, reflecting both the artist's skill and his love of nature's quietude.