Forest of Fontainebleau 1846

Camille Corot made this painting of the Forest of Fontainebleau with oil paints and brushes. These were the tools of his trade, and their application on canvas was central to the art world of his time. Corot worked in a manner known as “en plein air,” meaning “in the open air.” It was a technique that involved working outside, directly in front of his subject, which allowed artists to capture the nuances of light and atmosphere. Look closely, and you will see how the brushstrokes create texture and movement, bringing the forest to life. Corot’s technical skill with the brush allowed him to create an illusionistic sense of depth, with the play of light and shadow animating the scene. This landscape tradition has often been considered separate from craft. But, Corot’s way of painting brings to mind the careful attention that a potter or glassblower gives to their material, and the controlled touch required to coax out its inherent beauty. This close attention to process invites us to think about the labor of artmaking, blurring the boundaries between craft and fine art.