Jawlensky was an Expressionist and a member of The Blue Rider, a group of artists whose goal was to give visual form to one’s inner nature. He moved to Munich, Germany, in 1896 where he would study under Anton Azbe and meet the painter and leader of the Blue Rider, Wassily Kandinsky. In his travels through Europe between 1903 and 1907, Jawlensky encountered many artistic styles and theories, and began to synthesize these influences. This painting reflects his experimentation with the techniques of the French post-Impressionists and his training in Matisse’s studio, expressing his desire for experimental color, spirituality, and harmony. Working in the manner of Vincent van Gogh, he uses chisel-like brush strokes and outlining here for a rhythmic, more two-dimensional landscape. This rare glimpse into Jawlensky’s development was painted in a village just outside of Munich, near the River Inn.