 Renowned French painter, especially of landscapes, who
worked in romantic, realistic, and protoimpressionistic styles. Corot
was born in Paris, the son of a draper, who reluctantly allowed him to
study painting. He learned classical principles of composition from academic
landscape painter Victor Bertin, whose teachings shaped the calm, well-structured
landscapes Corot painted from 1825 to 1828 in Italy. Examples are the
Forum (1826) and the Bridge of Narni (1827), both of which are in
the Louvre, Paris.
From 1828 until his death, Corot lived in Paris. During the warm months
of the year he traveled throughout Europe, painting small oil sketches
that, like those of his friends in the Barbizon School of artists, are
among the first French landscapes to be painted outdoors. The sketches
are marked by careful structure and the sense of natural light. He worked
during winter months in his studio, producing large salon pieces with
biblical or historical subjects. By 1845, after receiving critical acclaim,
Corot began to sell his work. His landscapes thereafter became imaginary
creations bathed in a filmy romantic atmosphere achieved by silvery tones
and soft brushstrokes. Examples of this protoimpressionistic style, for
which he became famous, are versions of Ville-d'Avray and Memory of Mortefontaine
(1864, Louvre). Although he tended to repeat his success in this vein
to meet popular demand, he also painted such outstanding works as The
Belfry at Douai (1871, Louvre) in his earlier classical style; he also
painted a number of portraits and figure studies. He was generous to his
friends and pupils with both time and money, earning the title père
("father") Corot. |