Environs of Rome 1866

Camille Corot made this etching, "Environs of Rome," using a process that allowed for multiple impressions and a wider distribution of his art. The image captures the Roman countryside with a focus on natural, rather than overtly historical or monumental, elements. Made during a period of increasing industrialization and urbanization across Europe, this artwork presents a romantic vision of the rural landscape, an idealized space in contrast to the changing urban centers. Corot's choice of subject matter reflects a broader cultural interest in the unspoiled natural world, distinct from city life. To understand this work more fully, scholars research the relationship between art and the changing social and economic conditions of 19th-century Europe. We explore the institutions that promoted landscape art and the audiences who consumed it. Ultimately, the meaning of this etching lies in its relation to the social and cultural context in which it was created and viewed.