Mediterranean Landscape with a White House (1900–1905)

Henri-Edmond Cross’s watercolor titled *Mediterranean Landscape with a White House* captures the serene and lush charm of the Mediterranean coast during the early 20th century. Painted between 1900 and 1905, this artwork exemplifies Cross's mastery of the Neo-Impressionist style, specifically Pointillism, where small, distinct dots of color are applied in patterns to form an image.In this refreshing composition, the viewer's eye is drawn to a solitary white house, standing quietly amidst a vibrant tapestry of nature. The house appears perched near the coastline, surrounded by rich green and blue foliage which suggests the lush vegetation typical of the Mediterranean landscape. The background features gentle hills fading into the distance under a soft sky, suggesting the expansive nature of this calm locale.The foreground is dominated by rich patches of color, from warm yellows and oranges suggesting sunlit earth, to various shades of green and blue depicting the foliage and the distant sea. These colors are applied in a loose, fluid style, creating a dynamic interplay of light and texture that conveys both the wildness and tranquility of the scene.Cross’s use of watercolor allows for a great transparency and luminosity, giving the painting a feeling of air and lightness. It’s a celebration of natural beauty and a vivid portrayal of a peaceful retreat, inviting viewers to momentarily escape into its sun-drenched landscape.