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French, 'The Raging One ('Le Rageur')', 1840-1850

About the work

Overview

The Raging One (‘Le Rageur’) was a famous oak tree in the Forest of Fontainebleau, situated on the route Marie-Thérèse at the entrance to the Gorges d’Apremont. It was so celebrated that when it finally collapsed during high winds in April 1904 it was given an obituary in a French newspaper. Its twisted and gnarled branches were painted and photographed by numerous artists. In this study, thought to be by a French artist, the tree is silhouetted against a luminous sky. The view is looking north, the sandy track dipping down into the forest. Two posts mark an unseen road (probably the route de Sully) leading off to the right.

Key facts

Details

Full title
The Raging One ('Le Rageur')
Artist
French
Date made
1840-1850
Medium and support
Oil on paper laid on canvas
Dimensions
17.5 x 26 cm
Acquisition credit
On loan from the American Friends of the National Gallery, London Inc., courtesy of Faya Causey in memory of Philip Conisbee
Inventory number
L1409
Location
Room 39
Image copyright
On loan from the American Friends of the National Gallery, London Inc., courtesy of Faya Causey in memory of Philip Conisbee
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this work or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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