Forest Landscape c. 19th century

Camille Corot created this forest landscape painting with oil on canvas during the 19th century. A pervasive symbol here is the forest itself, which has long been understood as the dwelling place of spirits, a landscape of both refuge and danger. Throughout history, forests have been used as a symbolic backdrop for transformative myths and legends. Think of the forests in old fairy tales as dark woods, a recurring motif in works such as Little Red Riding Hood. These forests are a stage for the inner turmoil of the characters. Note how the figures here are dwarfed by the trees, a potent reminder of our fragile existence. This evokes a deep psychological response, tapping into our subconscious understanding of nature's power. The forest, therefore, evolves into a profound reflection of our inner states, a reminder of nature's enduring role in shaping human consciousness.