Artwork

Landscape with a Stormy Sky

Landscape with a Stormy Sky, by Théodore Rousseau, oil, 1842
Landscape with a Stormy Sky, by Théodore Rousseau, oil, 1842

Landscape with a Stormy Sky is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist Théodore Rousseau. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Landscape with a Stormy Sky is an 1842 oil painting by Théodore Rousseau, a key figure of the Barbizon school. The work exemplifies the movement's emphasis on capturing natural landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The painting contrasts a serene, detailed foreground—a prominent tree and lush foliage with varied green hues—with a turbulent, stormy sky, introducing a sense of dynamic tension within a peaceful setting.

Technique & Style

Rousseau employed oil paint to achieve depth and texture, evident in visible brushstrokes. The medium allowed for subtle light effects, particularly on water surfaces, enhancing the scene's realism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1842, the painting is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

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.