Twilight

Originally from Lyon, Ravier initially moved to Paris to study law, but later became captivated by the Barbizon school and turned to landscape painting. An encounter with Corot in Auvergne led him to travel to Rome at Corot’s suggestion. Ravier went to Rome twice, befriending Antonio Fontanesi and reportedly conveying to him the enchantment of the Barbizon school. Fleeing the hubbub of Paris, Ravier lived in Crémieu for 15 years, then settled in 1867 in Morestel, where he continued to depict the local natural scenery. This painting depicts a sunset scene in Morestel, one of Ravier’s favored subjects. With the spontaneity unique to watercolor, the work lyrically captures the shifting light on the trees and the gradations of the evening sky. (F.R.)