The Pool at Jas de Bouffan

This painting invites you into a serene corner of the Jas de Bouffan estate, a property near Aix-en-Provence that was a frequent subject for the artist. Here, the pool's still surface acts as a mirror, reflecting the dense vegetation that surrounds it. Look closely at how the architectural and sculptural elements – a gate, a small building, and the ornamental figures of a lion and a dolphin – emerge from among the trees, their forms subtly linked to their reflections in the water. This work, created around 1876, offers a glimpse into a private world, rendered with a distinctive approach to form and color that bridges the gap between Impressionism and the nascent movements of the early 20th century. The scene feels both observed and constructed, inviting a prolonged gaze into its quiet depths.