Barbizon Landscape 

Jules Dupre created this landscape with oil on canvas, a traditional pairing. The real interest here is the artist's application of the paint, and the effects achieved. Note how Dupre has captured the dynamism of the scene, with energetic brushstrokes evoking the movement of clouds and foliage. The thickness of the oil paint is remarkable, particularly in the sky, adding to the sense of depth. This technique, known as impasto, involves applying paint so thickly that it stands out from the surface. It adds texture, catching the light and creating a sense of immediacy. Impasto requires not only skill but also a significant quantity of pigment, which points to a patron or market willing to support such an approach. Dupre was not only an artist, but also a businessman; his landscape paintings were very popular, which he replicated with the help of assistants in his workshop. The commercial success of works like this allowed Dupre the freedom to experiment with his medium, pushing the boundaries between representation and abstraction.