Artwork

Path Through the Grain Field

Path Through the Grain Field, by Charles François Daubigny, 1862
Path Through the Grain Field, by Charles François Daubigny, 1862

Path Through the Grain Field is a print by Charles François Daubigny. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Path Through the Grain Field is a print created by Charles-François Daubigny in 1862. It exemplifies the artist's contribution to the Barbizon school and his influence on the development of Impressionism.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene, sunlit pathway through a field of grain, with two figures walking amidst tall, possibly wind-swept, crops or grass. The scene emphasizes the Barbizon school's focus on naturalistic, directly observed landscapes.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, quick lines and wavy strokes, the work has a rough, unfinished quality, suggestive of a rapid study. The expressive brushwork implies movement and atmosphere, prioritizing capture of natural light and mood over detailed rendering.

History & Provenance

Created in 1862, the print showcases Daubigny's innovative approach to landscape representation. While the artist's signature is present, the work's provenance details are not highlighted in available information.

Context

As a Barbizon school painter and printmaker, Daubigny's work bridges traditional landscape painting and the emerging Impressionist movement. His emphasis on direct observation and capturing light reflects the transitional artistic climate of mid-19th-century France.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles François Daubigny

Artist

Charles François Daubigny

Charles-François Daubigny ( DOH-bin-yee, US: DOH-been-YEE, doh-BEEN-yee, French: ; 15 February 1817 – 19 February 1878) was a French painter, one of the members of the Barbizon school, and is considered an important precursor of…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.