The work of French landscape painter Théodore Rousseau is well-represented in the painting, The Village of Becquigny. Described as an encyclopedia of the artist’s talents, the piece was inspired by his travels to Picardy in 1857. This painting has been likened to Meindert Hobbema’s painting at Middelharnis, and Pierre remarked on the similarity in a letter to Rousseau. The painting was completed between 1857 and 1864, and was sent to the Salon of 1864 by Rousseau.
The Village Of Becquigny showcases Rousseau’s ability to capture nature and recreate it on canvas. It provides insight into his skillful brushstrokes that shaped this beautiful landscape, as well as his creative use of light and dark hues to highlight certain elements and bring out emotions. As one of Rousseau’s most iconic pieces, it encapsulates how talented he truly was as a mid-19th century painter.
In comparison, Titian’s Venus Of Urbino from 1538 reflects yet another masterwork worth noting. This oil painting displays a young woman in bed that captures Titian’s mastery with color and composition; its realism has allowed it to withstand time and remain an iconic piece from the Renaissance period up to today. It also serves as proof that visual arts speak language unmistakably understood regardless of time or place — just like Theodore Rousseua’s The Village Of Becquigny does for us today.
