Artwork

The Cathedral of Florence (Le Dome florentin)

The Cathedral of Florence (Le Dome florentin), by Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, ink, 1870
The Cathedral of Florence (Le Dome florentin), by Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, ink, 1870

The Cathedral of Florence (Le Dome florentin) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Jean Baptiste Camille Corot. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Cathedral of Florence (Le Dome florentin) is an etching created by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot around 1870, capturing a landscape view of Florence’s cathedral dome.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is the dome of Florence’s cathedral, set within a landscape dominated by trees with tangled, rough branches. The dome is depicted in the background, relatively small.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, uneven lines resembling quick strokes, the etching features a scratchy texture, likely achieved by applying strong pressure with a tool, giving the work a sketchy, study-like quality.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1870 by Corot, a pivotal figure in 19th-century landscape art, bridging Neo-Classical and early Impressionist approaches.

Context

Part of Corot’s extensive body of prints and paintings, this etching reflects his characteristic balance of structured composition and emphasis on atmospheric light.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jean Baptiste Camille Corot

Artist

Jean Baptiste Camille Corot

Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (UK: KORR-oh, US: kə-ROH, kor-OH; French: ; 16 July 1796 – 22 February 1875), or simply Camille Corot, was a French landscape and portrait painter as well as a printmaker in etching.

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