Corot, Camille

(1796-1875)

   painter, designer

   Renowned for his romantic, realistic, and proto-impressionist style of landscapes, Camille Corot was born in Paris, the son of a draper. He studied painting at the studio of victor Bertin, then went to Italy, where he produced some of his early works (Forum, 1826; Le Pont de Narni, 1827). For the rest of his life, Corot lived in Paris, traveling throughout Europe during spring and summer. Many of his associates were from the Barbizon School of artists who, like Corot, painted landscapes while out of doors instead of in studios, as was the classical tradition. Corot's work is characterized by filmy romantic atmosphere, achieved by silvery tones and soft brushstrokes. Examples of this proto-impressionist style are versions of Ville-d'Avray and Mortefontaine (1864). He also did La Cathédral de Chartres (1830) and Le Beffroi de Douai (1871), both in a more classical style. In addition, Corot, considered the greatest French landscapist of the 19th century, produced a number of figure studies and portraits. His compositions done for the Salon, are of religious or mythological themes set in the French or Italian countryside, filled with such figures as nymphs, shepherds, and fauns. Generous to his students and friends with both his time and his money, he earned the title "Père Corot."