Ruisseau sous bois 1866 - 1886

Charles-François Daubigny painted 'Ruisseau sous bois', or 'Stream in the Woods' in oil paint. He was a man deeply embedded in the 19th century French landscape tradition, but also part of the shift toward what would become Impressionism. Daubigny's personal experiences sailing on his studio-boat strongly influenced his artistic vision; he sought to represent the immediacy of nature. Look at how the dappled light filters through the dense canopy, creating an almost palpable atmosphere. The reflection of trees on the water's surface invite a sense of immersion into the heart of the forest, almost as if we too are floating down the stream. His work was not overtly political, yet it reflects a broader cultural movement towards valuing the natural world amidst increasing industrialization. Perhaps Daubigny captures an emotional need to escape into the quiet beauty of the forest, at a time when the world was changing so rapidly.