The Wandering Jew; The Plain — History & Facts
In The Wandering Jew; The Plain, Henri Rivière presents a landscape filled with muted colors. The scene features a solitary figure, representing the wandering Jew, traversing a vast, open plain. The sky is overcast, adding to the somber mood of the painting.
The use of browns and grays emphasizes the theme of solitude and wandering. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, showcasing Rivière's skill in blending colors to create depth. The brushwork is relatively loose, allowing for a sense of movement in the landscape. The figure is rendered in a more detailed manner, drawing the viewer's attention.
This contrast highlights the isolation of the character against the expansive background. Henri Rivière was a French painter associated with the Symbolist movement, known for his allegorical works. 'The Wandering Jew; The Plain' reflects themes of exile and solitude, common in Symbolist art. An interesting fact about this work is that it draws inspiration from the biblical figure of the Wandering Jew, symbolizing eternal wandering and despair.
This piece is a testament to Rivière's exploration of human emotion through landscape.
More Artworks by Henri Rivière

Sur les toits
Henri Rivière

La Baie des trépassés
Henri Rivière

Homme et quatre femmes battant le blé
Henri Rivière

Barque à sec sur le sable au pied de la falaise
Henri Rivière

Du Point-du-Jour
Henri Rivière

Du Pont des Saints Peres
Henri Rivière

Du Quai de Pasy – Charboniers
Henri Rivière

Le Pont des Saints-Pères (pont du Carrousel) et le Louvre
Henri Rivière

Paris en hiver, Programme pour le Théâtre Libre
Henri Rivière

L’Enterrement aux parapluies
Henri Rivière






