A serene 1904 pastel study by Léon Augustin Lhermitte, capturing the quiet atmosphere of the Marne river near Chartèves.

Léon Augustin Lhermitte, a central figure in the French Realist tradition, produced this work in 1904. The composition depicts a quiet stretch of the Marne river near the village of Chartèves. Lhermitte demonstrates his mastery of pastel, a medium he favoured for its ability to capture the soft, atmospheric qualities of the French countryside. The scene focuses on the interplay between the water and the sky, with the gentle reflections of the autumn trees and the distant village architecture creating a sense of stillness.

In the foreground, two figures occupy a small boat, their presence integrated into the rhythm of the riverbank. The artist employs a delicate application of colour, using the texture of the paper to suggest the movement of water and the rustle of reeds. The palette is dominated by earthy tones, punctuated by the golden hues of late-season foliage and the pale blue of the sky. Unlike his earlier, more socially focused works depicting the hardships of rural labour, this piece leans into the observational tradition of the plein air movement. It captures a specific moment of quietude, typical of the artist's later career when he turned his attention to the serene aspects of the rural environment.

Lhermitte was highly regarded by his contemporaries, including Vincent van Gogh, who admired his ability to render the dignity of rural life. This work reflects his technical precision and his deep familiarity with the topography of the Aisne region. The composition is balanced, drawing the viewer's eye across the calm surface of the water toward the distant, softly rendered hills. It remains a representative example of the artist's late-period focus on the atmospheric conditions of the French river valleys.