Tree in the Sun, 1900

Emile Claus loved to paint in the immediate vicinity of Villa Rayon soleil, his country home on the River Lys in Astene (Deinze). He often took the house, the flower garden and the trees on the property as the subject of his work. In this painting the artist depicts the warm glow of the spring sun in March 1900. The painting is one of the best examples of Claus’ Luminist work, with its varied brushstroke and striking, masterly use of colours in a combination of soft pink, purples and green. The imposing outline of the old tree is emphasised further by the diffuse light that filters through the branches.