The Caverns of Prunal near Pontgibaud (Auvergne)

The volcanic caves of Prunal near Pontgibaud in the Auvergne are among the more dramatic subjects Guillaumin encountered during his Massif Central travels. The Auvergne's landscape of extinct volcanoes, ancient lava flows, and dramatic rocky formations provided him with geological subject matter quite unlike the river valleys of the Ile-de-France or even the granite of the Creuse. The Prunal caverns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, presented a challenge of contrasting light: deep shadow within the cave entrances against the strong Auvergne daylight outside, a situation that tested his ability to render simultaneous extreme tonal contrasts. The Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) holds this undated canvas as part of its collection of nineteenth-century painting, which ranges across Belgian and international work of the period. The dramatic geological subject reflects the adventurous range of Guillaumin's late-career travel beyond his established haunts.

Oil on canvas with handling adapted to the extreme tonal contrasts of a cave subject. The dark interior openings require near-black tones that sit against the fully lit exterior rock surfaces, creating a tonal range wider than anything in Guillaumin's river or valley landscapes. The volcanic rock is rendered through warm ochres and dark reds that reflect the basalt and lava formations of the Auvergne geology.