Artwork

Trees on the Mountain

Trees on the Mountain, by Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, 1856
Trees on the Mountain, by Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, 1856

Trees on the Mountain is a print by Jean Baptiste Camille Corot. It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Trees on the Mountain, created by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot in 1856, is a landscape print exemplifying the artist's transitional style between Neo-Classical and early Impressionist tendencies.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a natural landscape of trees set against mountainous terrain, reflecting Corot's emphasis on outdoor settings and the expressive potential of the natural world.

Technique & Style

Characterized by loose, expressive lines, the work features thick, dark strokes for foliage and thinner marks for the sky, with a textured, scribble-like ground, conveying a sense of spontaneity and vitality.

History & Provenance

Trees on the Mountain is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, though its specific acquisition history and earlier ownership are not detailed here.

Context

This work sits at the cusp of artistic movements, with Corot's approach influencing the shift from traditional landscape painting to the more spontaneous, outdoor practices of Impressionism.

Legacy

As part of Corot's oeuvre, Trees on the Mountain contributes to his legacy as a pivotal figure in the evolution of landscape painting in the 19th century.

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: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.