Henri Masson Canadian, 1907-1996
Further images
The painting "Near Aylmer, Quebec" by Henri Masson, a notable Canadian artist from 1907 to 1996, is a vibrant oil on masonite that measures 24 x 30 inches. Signed by Masson on the bottom left, the artwork captures the raw beauty and ruggedness of the Quebec landscape.
This piece portrays a wintry scene where the starkness of the snow-covered hills is juxtaposed against a dramatic sky. The composition is dominated by a dynamic, overcast sky, which adds a sense of impending movement to the scene. Below, the land is rendered with bold, impasto strokes of white, blue, and green, indicating the presence of snow, rock, and evergreen trees. Patches of bare earth and dry grass add warm tones to the otherwise cool palette, suggesting the resilience of nature during the harsh Canadian winter.
Masson's brushwork is vigorous and confident, imbuing the landscape with a sense of life and energy. His depiction of the Quebec countryside is not just a literal translation but an emotional response to the landscape's changing moods and colors.