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Composition & Style:
"Trees" is an exquisite example of early 20th-century American modernism, a period that witnessed artists experimenting with new forms and breaking away from traditional representational art. In this oil painting, Sayen explores the myriad facets of nature, focusing on arboreal forms in a manner that emphasizes their geometric and abstract qualities rather than realistic reproduction.

The trees, though clearly recognizable, are rendered with an abstract touch, with bold lines and defined, angular shapes dominating the composition. The foliage and branches are not depicted in a naturalistic style but rather fragmented into segments of color and form, reminiscent of cubism and Fauvism. The use of vivid, non-naturalistic colors — deep greens, vibrant yellows, and rich blues — further accentuates this departure from realism, while also infusing the painting with an energetic rhythm and intensity.

Color Palette & Technique:
Sayen employs a palette saturated with intense hues, deviating from the subdued tones often associated with earlier landscape paintings. The brushwork is evident and vigorous, suggesting a spontaneous and expressive approach. The contours of the trees are bold and defined, creating a dynamic interplay between the organic forms of nature and Sayen's structured, almost architectural representation of them. His use of color and brushstroke adds a rhythmic quality to the composition, imbuing it with movement and life.

Perspective & Structure:
The perspective of the painting is somewhat flattened, another hallmark of modernist tendencies during this period. The ground plane, composed of patches of earth and scattered leaves, melds seamlessly with the vertical forms of the trees, creating a tapestry-like effect. There's an evident sense of depth, achieved not through traditional linear perspective but through the overlapping forms and varied coloration, guiding the viewer's eye through the composition.

Location & Provenance:
The original painting "Trees" by Henry Lyman Sayen is housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. The museum holds a notable collection of works by American artists, emphasizing the rich cultural and historical landscape of the United States.

Context in Sayen's Career:
Henry Lyman Sayen (1875–1918) was an American painter and an early adopter of modernist styles in the United States. His career was notably influenced by his time in Paris, where he interacted with prominent European modernists and absorbed the avant-garde tendencies of the time. "Trees," created circa 1912-1914, is reflective of this period of exploration and experimentation in his oeuvre. It demonstrates his shift towards a more abstract and stylized form of art, influenced by the likes of Paul Cézanne and the burgeoning cubist movement led by Picasso and Braque.

Artistic Movements & Influence:
Sayen's work during this period bridges the gap between American Impressionism and the modernist wave that was sweeping across Europe and slowly making its way to America. His adaptation of geometric abstraction and his use of a vibrant color palette show a clear departure from the softer, more atmospheric effects of Impressionism towards a more intellectually rigorous and visually dynamic approach. Sayen's work thus contributes to the narrative of American modernism, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and the search for new modes of expression during the early 20th century.

Noteworthy Details:
"Trees" exemplifies Sayen’s ability to synthesize European modernist innovations with his own unique perspective. This painting is noteworthy not just for its aesthetic qualities but also for how it illustrates the cross-cultural fertilization that was instrumental in the development of modernist art in America. The piece serves as a testament to Sayen's role in the transatlantic dialogue of art during a pivotal moment in art history.

In summary, "Trees" (ca. 1912–1914) by Henry Lyman Sayen is a notable work that encapsulates the spirit of early American modernism, blending abstraction, vivid colors, and bold geometric forms to reimagine the natural world through a modernist lens. The painting, housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum, remains a significant piece in understanding both Sayen's career and the broader movement of modernist art in America.