Autumn Landscape

In Autumn Landscape, at first glance, the viewer appears to be standing on a riverbank, looking into a dense and active landscape. The foreground is filled with thick foliage, where leaves are depicted through repeating oval shapes and emphasized with strong, dark outlines. These energetic brushstrokes suggest movement, as if wind is passing through the trees. In the middle ground, partially hidden by the leaves, a wooden cabin and small boat with a fisherman come into view. Although obscured at first glance, these elements remain present and distinct, encouraging closer observation. In the background, the sky is soft and muted, providing contrast to the vivid colors of the surrounding foliage. Rites’ composition is evenly arranged, with trees and plants spread across the scene creating a calm and peaceful setting. The bright greens, oranges, and blues maintain their intensity throughout the painting, rather than fading into the distance. This approach reflects the influence of Paul Cézanne, particularly in the use of color to build form and create this seasonal scene. Furthermore, the dense layering of leaves and overlapping forms fills out nearly the entire picture, leaving little space to spare. Overall, the work presents an upbeat and immersive view into the nature of an organic Autumn Day.

About the Artist

Unfortunately, little information is known about this artist. He was born in 1900 in Ithaca, NY, the son of a renowned engineer who had become wealthy from his patents. Rites’ parents separated, however, and his father died while Marion was still a teenager. He attended Ithaca High School and graduated from Cornell University in 1922. There are indications that he studied art in Paris and painted in Touraine, the Riviera, and Northern Africa (“Paintings”). His works were exhibited in 1932 at the Galerie de la Renaissance and received favorable mention for their cosmopolitanism and “painterly temperament” (Dictionaire). Rites was influenced by the French Impressionist Paul Cézanne, including his bold brushstrokes; use of muted and earthy tones, greens and blues; and his thick application of paint. Along with another artist, David Dorfman, Rites illustrated a 1941 WPA children’s book titled Tales of Old New York, published by the New York Board of Education. Little is known about this artist beyond the works he left behind. His date of death is also unknown. 4 works at the U.S. General Services Administration. 2 images at FAP.

Works Consulted: “Paintings of Marion B. Rites, Former Ithaca Resident, Are Favorably Mentioned Abroad,” Ithaca Journal 19 Dec. 1933: 7; Dictionaire Biographique des Artistes Contemporains (1934).

Rites, Marion B[ushanse] (1900 - ?)

New Deal Museum, Mount Morris NY

Object #FA 819

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Oil painting on canvas

24 x 30 in.