Fontainebleau, Figure Leaning Against a Rock 1830 - 1835

Camille Corot made this drawing of a figure in the forest of Fontainebleau with graphite and brown wash. In the 19th century, the forest of Fontainebleau became an important site of artistic innovation. This was due, in no small part, to relaxed attitudes to painting outdoors at the École des Beaux-Arts. Artists ventured into the landscape to paint directly from nature, capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Corot was one of the central figures in the development of this new approach to landscape painting, one that emphasized direct observation and emotional response over academic convention. This shift reflected broader cultural changes in France, as artists sought to connect with nature and express a more personal vision. To fully appreciate Corot's art, we can consult exhibition reviews and letters from the time. Only then can we truly understand its departure from the artistic norms of the time. This is how we can understand the public role of art and the social conditions that shape artistic production.