Created:
Movement:
1870
Realism
key Notes:
Pastoral tranquility, Luminous landscape
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Dimensions:
19 5/8 x 14 3/8 in. (49.8 x 36.5 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
story of the work:

"Reverie" is a painting by French artist Camille Corot, created around 1860–65. The work exemplifies Corot's transition from traditional landscape painting to a more intimate and poetic style. It features a serene figure, often interpreted as a woman in a contemplative pose, set against a lush, natural background. The painting reflects Corot's interest in capturing the effects of light and atmosphere, characteristic of his later works. Corot was known for his ability to evoke emotion through landscape, and "Reverie" is no exception, conveying a sense of tranquility and introspection. The exact provenance of the painting is not well-documented, and its exhibition history remains largely unknown. "Reverie" is part of the collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon, France.

Description of the work:

"Reverie" by Camille Corot, created circa 1860–65, is an oil painting on wood that exemplifies the artist's mastery of landscape and figure. The composition features a serene, dreamlike atmosphere, characterized by soft, diffused light that bathes the scene. A solitary female figure is depicted seated amidst a lush, verdant landscape, her posture suggesting contemplation or introspection. The surrounding foliage is rendered with delicate brushwork, showcasing Corot's ability to capture the nuances of nature. The color palette is dominated by earthy greens and warm browns, enhancing the tranquil mood of the work. The background is subtly layered, creating depth and inviting the viewer into the scene. Corot's signature use of atmospheric perspective is evident, as distant trees fade into a softer focus. Overall, "Reverie" reflects the artist's interest in the interplay between human figures and their natural surroundings, embodying the Romantic ideals of beauty and reflection.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Reverie