Presented at the Salon in 1881, this painting is one of Henner's masterpieces. It depicts a redheaded nymph, personifying the Source, seated from behind in a landscape inspired by Alsatian landscapes.
The composition repeats the pattern Henner had established many years ago: a redheaded figure at the edge of a pond, nestled between a meadow and a forest setting, on the outskirts of a hill.
This work functions as a counterpart to La Fontaine (JJHP 239), painted a year earlier. Both appear to be variations on the same theme of light, in this case dawn, as evidenced by the nymph's awakening posture and gesture.
This work functions as a counterpart to La Fontaine (JJHP 239)La Fontaine, painted a year earlier
