Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot Original Cataloged Antique 19thC French Neo-Classical Italian Plein Air Landscape w River & Bridge Oil Painting
Original antique 19th Century French Barbizon landscape oil painting on canvas, by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796–1875). The oil painting is a cataloged work by the artist, with the designation of number 395 (label verso). The painting is signed in the lower left corner, and the painting's measurements are approximately 24" X 34.15". The painting's gold-carved wood frame has an avocado velveteen outer mat, which is estimated to be from the 1940s era. There is an overall crackle; in some areas, there are chips of missing paint, as shown in the images. Restoration will likely need to be performed on this painting, yet it would be highly rewarding for a particular collector of fine French neo-classical paintings.
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (July 16, 1796 – February 22, 1875) was a French landscape and portrait painter who played a pivotal role in the transition from the classical tradition of landscape painting to the plein air techniques that inspired the Impressionists. Known for his poetic depictions of nature, Corot is celebrated for his ability to capture light, atmosphere, and the tranquil beauty of rural landscapes.
Early Life and Training
Corot was born in Paris to a family of prosperous merchants. His father was a cloth merchant, and his mother owned a millinery shop, ensuring financial stability that allowed Corot to pursue his artistic ambitions without monetary constraints. Initially destined for a career in commerce, Corot began studying painting seriously in his mid-20s, a late start by artistic standards. He trained under the neoclassical painters Achille Etna Michallon and Jean-Victor Bertin, who emphasized classical landscapes inspired by the works of Nicolas Poussin and Claude Lorrain.
Artistic Style and Career
Corot’s early works were firmly rooted in the classical tradition, featuring idealized landscapes with mythological or historical themes. However, his artistic journey significantly turned during his travels to Italy in the 1820s. There, he immersed himself in the luminous landscapes of Rome and the Italian countryside, painting en plein air (outdoors) to capture the natural effects of light and atmosphere. This approach would become a hallmark of his work.
Corot’s style evolved throughout his career, blending classical composition with a more naturalistic and personal vision. His landscapes often feature soft, hazy light and serene, dreamlike qualities that convey an emotional connection to nature. In addition to landscapes, Corot painted portraits and figure studies, though these were less commercially successful during his lifetime.
Influence and Legacy
Corot’s work bridged the gap between academic painting and the emerging modern movements. He influenced the Barbizon School, a group of French painters dedicated to naturalistic landscapes, and later the Impressionists, who admired his loose brushwork and sensitivity to light and mood.
Corot was highly regarded in his time despite being a precursor to modern movements. He exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon and received several prestigious honors, including the Legion of Honor in 1846. By the time of his death, Corot was one of the most revered artists in France, affectionately referred to as "Père Corot" (Father Corot).
Later Life and Death
Corot remained a modest and private individual throughout his life, dedicating himself to his art and supporting younger, struggling artists. He was known for his generosity and humility, qualities that endeared him to his contemporaries.
Corot passed away in Paris on February 22, 1875, leaving behind a rich legacy of over 3,000 works. Today, he is remembered as one of the most significant landscape painters of the 19th century, whose innovations helped pave the way for modern art.
Key Works
The Bridge at Narni (1826–1827)
Morning on the Seine near Giverny (circa 1865)
Ville-d’Avray (circa 1865)
Souvenir of Mortefontaine (1864)
Corot's ability to balance tradition with innovation continues to inspire artists and art lovers, solidifying his place as one of the most influential painters in art history.
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