Theodore Rousseau, born in Paris in 1812, was a leading figure in the development of landscape painting. He was a founding member of open-air painting in France and his direct observation of nature made him an important figure in the Barbizon school of landscape painters. Though trained initially in the Neoclassical tradition, he based much of his style on 17th-century Dutch landscape painters.
His non-academic outlook on landscapes and reaction against idealization of nature as seen in Neoclassical tradition led to rejection by the Salon for several years. However, Rousseau became a founder and instrumental figure of the French Barbizon School of landscape painters that emphasized realistic depictions of nature using darker colors instead.
Rousseau’s work was groundbreaking because it challenged traditional art forms that placed emphasis on formality over realism. His landscapes were characterized by vivid depictions that captured cloud formations, light effects and textures with remarkable skill. With time, he became recognized as one of France’s greatest naturalistic landscape artists and his works are still exhibited around the world today.
Overall, it is safe to say that Theodore Rousseau had an immense impact on French impressionist painting through his transformation away from neoclassicism towards naturalistic rendering which revolutionized how artists represented nature during his time.
All Theodore Rousseau Artwork on Artchive
| Artwork Name | Year | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Trees In The Gorge Of Apremont | c. 1850-52 | Oil On Canvas |
| The Village of Becquigny | c. 1857-64 | Oil on panel |
| The Edge of the Woods at Monts-Girard, Fontainebleau Forest | 1854 | The Edge of the Woods at Monts-Girard, Fontainebleau Forest |
