Curatorial Narrative Schafer’s “On Merced River Cala” exists within the late 19th-century landscape tradition, where realism sought to capture the natural world with scientific precision. However, Schafer’s practice diverges from this strictures by employing a more expressive and emotionally charged approach, evident in his impasto brushwork which imbues the canvas with a tactile presence. This is particularly pronounced in the heavy application of paint to the rolling hillsides and tree trunks, imbuing them with an almost sculptural quality.Upon enlargement to 72×44 inches, Schafer’s palette becomes a dominant force within the space it inhabits. The rich greens and blues take on a life of their own, casting a deep atmospheric weight that draws the viewer into its depths. The chromatic structure of the painting is designed to exploit this spatial rhythm, with warm earth tones set against cool blues to create a sense of tension and b