Last quarter of the 19th century Canvas, oil. 116 x 89 cm
Description The famous French artist, symbolist, prominent representative of the Art Nouveau style, Fernand Humbert, through the allegorical nature of the composition, tells us about the harmony of man with nature, about mental and physical peace, about prosperity and abundance. Female images in ancient tunics refer us to the myth of the lost “golden age” of humanity, when peace and prosperity reigned on earth. The work of Fernand Humbert is compared with the works of the outstanding symbolist artist Puvis de Chavannes, a master of “literary painting”. They are united by a selection of idyllic scenes from ancient Greek history. Omitting details, artists focus on the symbolic meanings of what is depicted and, with the help of a clear line and conventional coloring, create the necessary mood. This artistic method gives the paintings of symbolist artists a certain monumentality. Their painting technique and pastel palette resemble a fresco, and sometimes a tapestry. At the same time, the generalization of details, smooth contours of figures, and simplified modeling of forms do not deprive the painting of Fernand Humbert of depth and volume.