Artist: Otto Eckmann
Date: 1897
Size: 75 x 235 cm
Museum: Museum of Applied Arts (Budapest, Hungary)
Technique: Tapestry
A small creek springs from the thick foliage of the trees in the middle of a forest; the line of water blows gracefully from right to left, the surface is calm. Swans swim towards us with serious dignity; the trunks of the front trees are reflected in the narrow water surface. The simplicity of the motifs, the thick contours of the main ornaments and the unshaded spots of colour are arranged beside each other on the large surface, creating an atmosphere of calm and solemnity. This is emphasized by the autumn tones, reddish brown trees, yellowish leaves, the dark blue of the creek and the bright white of the swan feathers, and also by the lack of horizon line - the border of the tapestry cuts into the foliage of the trees and the bend of the creek, thus the viewer can picture only a closed, narrow part of the forest. A narrow stripe of stylized birds and plants closes the picture at the top and the bottom. The two long sides are bordered with soft fringe, to stress the tall, slim shape of the tapestry. Eckmann intentionally turned towards Medieval German tapestry style and revitalized the bright colours, large shades and shapes. He was also .the first among the German artists to pay attention to Japanese arts. The narrow, tall shape of the tapestry, as well as the delicate curves of the drawing clearly show the influence of Japanese woodcuts. Almost one hundred copies were made of this tapestry.
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