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Jan Honsa was part of the youngest generation of Julius Mařák's students. Honsa entered Mařák's landscape painting class in 1893. The summer landscape with dominating poplars is an early work dating from 1899 or 1900, mixing an Impressionist view of the landscape with an Art Nouveau sensitivity. The landscape is so vibrant, one can sense the movement of the trees in the wind before an afternoon storm. It is interesting that the painting was created before Honsa's first visit to France. Although the Impressionist influences were only indirect, he demonstrates a great understanding of the movement. This is an exceptional work showcasing the artist's refined sense for the landscape and variable light. It is a truly rare work on the Czech art market. Four years later, Honsa received the bronze at the World's Art Fair in St. Louis for a smaller, but equally powerful summer landscape from 1900 titled Summer Afternoon. Oil on canvas, signed on bottom left "J. Honsa". Expert assessment: PhDr. Michael Zachař.