Artwork

Cherry Tree at Blau

Cherry Tree at Blau, by Théodore Rousseau, 1862
Cherry Tree at Blau, by Théodore Rousseau, 1862

Cherry Tree at Blau is a print by the Romanticist artist Théodore Rousseau. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Cherry Tree at Blau is a 1862 print by Théodore Rousseau, a key figure of the Barbizon school, characterized by its naturalistic and intimate portrayal of a rural landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The work features a solitary cherry tree on a grassy hillside with scattered bushes, embodying the Barbizon emphasis on detailed, observational depictions of the countryside.

Technique & Style

Executed in loose, expressive black and white strokes, the print explores the interplay of light and shadow, achieving a near three-dimensional effect through varying line weights.

History & Provenance

Created in 1862, the piece reflects Rousseau's en plein air approach, though specific provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

Aligned with the Barbizon school's values, the print contrasts with more romanticized or idealized landscape traditions, instead focusing on everyday natural beauty.

Legacy

As part of Rousseau's oeuvre, Cherry Tree at Blau contributes to the Barbizon school's influence on subsequent naturalistic and impressionist movements in European art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Théodore Rousseau

Artist

Théodore Rousseau

Étienne Pierre Théodore Rousseau (French pronunciation: ; 15 April 1812 – 22 December 1867) was a French painter of the Barbizon school.

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