Le Coup de vent 1865 - 1870

Camille Corot created "Le Coup de vent" using oil on canvas to portray a gust of wind sweeping across a landscape. Note the structural tension as the trees bend dramatically from left to right, embodying the force of the wind. This directional movement is echoed in the overcast sky, composed of layered brushstrokes that suggest both depth and atmospheric turbulence. Corot uses a muted palette, primarily of browns, greens, and grays, which contributes to the somber mood, yet the composition is stabilized by the subtle placement of the horizon line and the grounding effect of the earth tones. The figure in the lower left, seemingly struggling against the wind, serves as a focal point that balances the overall dynamism. Corot’s brushwork, characterized by loose, feathery strokes, captures the sensation of movement, aligning with the Romantic interest in expressing the sublime power of nature. He destabilizes the classical landscape tradition by focusing on transient atmospheric effects rather than idealized forms. This focus reflects a shift towards a more subjective and emotional engagement with the natural world.