Landscape, Paris

“Landscape, Paris” (1912–1914) by Henry Lyman Sayen
is an expressive, vibrant painting that depicts a Parisian cityscape through bold colors and abstract forms. The composition includes the tops of Parisian buildings and surrounding trees, with the scene dominated by bright reds, greens, yellows, and deep blues. Sayen uses thick, energetic brushstrokes to create both the buildings and the trees, blending the natural and man-made elements into a cohesive, lively scene. The red tree in the foreground stands out, contrasting with the cooler tones of the buildings in the background. This contrast gives the painting depth while also imbuing it with emotional intensity.

Henry Lyman Sayen (1875–1918) was an American modernist painter who spent significant time in Paris, where he was exposed to the vibrant artistic movements of the early 20th century, including Fauvism and Cubism. These movements, characterized by their bold use of color and abstracted forms, heavily influenced Sayen’s work during this period. The early 1910s were a time of great artistic innovation in Paris, with artists like Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso pushing the boundaries of representation. Sayen’s “Landscape, Paris” reflects this influence, particularly in its use of non-naturalistic colors and its abstracted, almost geometric depiction of the city.

In “Landscape, Paris,” Sayen employs thick, textured brushstrokes, characteristic of Fauvism, to render the forms of buildings and trees. His use of color is expressive rather than realistic, with vibrant reds, greens, and yellows used to create depth and contrast within the composition. The application of paint is loose and gestural, giving the work a sense of immediacy and movement. Sayen abstracts the forms of the buildings, simplifying them into blocks of color and reducing the details, which adds to the modernist feel of the work. The trees are similarly stylized, with their rounded shapes and bold colors contributing to the overall harmony of the composition.

“Landscape, Paris” can be seen as a celebration of the vibrant life of the city and the energy of modernist art. The contrast between the organic forms of the trees and the geometric shapes of the buildings may symbolize the interaction between nature and urban life. The bold use of color suggests emotional expression, with the red tree in the foreground possibly symbolizing vitality or passion, while the cool blues and greens of the buildings evoke a sense of calm and stability. Sayen’s abstraction of the landscape reflects the modernist desire to break away from traditional representation and to capture the essence of a scene through form and color.

Henry Lyman Sayen’s work, including “Landscape, Paris,” played a significant role in introducing Fauvism and Cubism to American audiences. His adoption of European avant-garde techniques and his ability to blend them with natural scenes helped pave the way for modernist developments in American art. Sayen’s use of bold color and abstraction in his landscape work also influenced future generations of abstract painters. Today, “Landscape, Paris” remains relevant as an example of early 20th-century modernism, reflecting the artistic innovation and experimentation that defined the period.

Bring the vibrant energy of Paris to your space with Henry Lyman Sayen’s “Landscape, Paris” (1912–1914). This stunning gallery-wrapped canvas print captures the bold colors and expressive brushstrokes of Sayen’s original painting, making it the perfect addition to your living room, office, or creative space. Available in multiple sizes, this canvas is built with a solid frame to ensure it stays tight and flat over time. Choose from walnut or black frame options to complement your decor, and let this striking modernist landscape transform your walls with its rich, dynamic colors and timeless appeal.