A Gateway behind Trees
- Artist: Stanislas-Victor-Edmond Lépine
- Date: 1870-92
- Medium: oil on paper, mounted on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "A Gateway behind Trees" by Stanislas-Victor-Edmond Lépine. Painted in the French tradition of the late 19th century, it's a beautiful example of how light can transform a landscape.
The artist has used subtle tonal harmonies to capture the gentle glow of morning sunlight on the scene before us. The pale yellow hue that bathes the entire composition is perfectly complemented by the green tones of the foliage and undergrowth. Look closely at the way the light falls on the path leading up to the gateway, creating a sense of depth and perspective.
The simple yet effective composition draws our eye to the open gateway, flanked by two posts and high stone walls. On the right, we see a house with a red tiled roof, adding a sense of domesticity to the scene. The artist's use of light is what really makes this painting stand out, creating a sense of atmosphere and mood that invites us to step into the world before us.
It's worth noting that Lépine was largely self-taught, but in his twenties he became a student of Corot, whose influence can be seen here. While he doesn't quite match Corot's level of observation, it's clear that Lépine has been inspired by his teacher's work.
See it in person
A Gateway behind Trees 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.
