French, active early 20th Century

Depictions of tranquil riverbank scenes were favored by both the Barbizon School artists, and later the Impressionists. Charles Francois Daubigny fashioned a floating studio boat called “le bottin” to waft down the river searching for an inspiring locale and a fleeting light effect he wished to capture. Later Claude Monet immortalized French riverside villages such as Vetheuil, Argenteuil and Bougival portraying the riverbanks and reflections of the town and light effects on the water.

In the present painting of 1916, Louyot clearly has both influences, the more academic and naturalistic feel of a Barbizon landscape, tempered by a light filled palette reminiscent of certain Impressionist artists. The shimmering effects on the water and the placid scene imbue the painting with a beautiful peaceful quality.