Landscape

The “naïve” style for which Bombois is known is evident in this waterscape in the notable flatness of his depiction of reflections in the water and the lone boat floating along the river. The pale blue reflection of the sky curves through the centre of the work, drawing our eye through to the horizon, on which the roofs of a distant settlement can be seen. Bombois harnesses the space the water takes up in the composition, using reflections to increase the sense of space in the work. The scene is calming and movement is minimal. The single boat is perhaps symbolic of art-viewing being a contemplative, deeply personal experience for the viewer. Bold colours flash in the red roofs of houses and the lush greenery. Bombois typically used such bold colours in a more thorough way in his famous depictions of circuses.