Details

Three slender, bare trees greet the viewer in the foreground, their skeletal forms set against a dense, forest-like terrain that stretches toward the horizon, eventually meeting the dark, brooding night sky. The somber landscape is dotted with abandoned park benches, scattered haphazardly throughout the composition. Four silhouetted figures are seen walking away from the scene in different directions, their backs turned, as though retreating into the shadows. Saito skillfully employs the entire surface of the paper, using two types of artist pencils: a matte finish to render the textured ground of the landscape, and a shiny finish for the gnarled tree trunks. The result is a striking and evocative composition with a playful yet haunting quality, reminiscent of the delightfully gothic style of Edward Gorey. This piece captures a sense of eerie whimsy, blending subtle unease with beauty, creating a captivating and mysterious atmosphere.

Connoisseur's Note

This exceedingly rare work comes from the artist’s personal sketchbook, created during Saito’s trip to Paris. Most likely produced on site in a Parisian park, the finished drawing reflects the artist's firsthand experience of the city’s ambiance. The piece retains its perforated left-side section, a unique feature that underscores its sketchbook origins. This composition serves as the preparatory study for the design "Winter in Paris (A)," illustrated below, offering valuable insight into the artist’s creative process.