The artwork, “Houses near Orleans,” created by Camille Corot in 1830, is an oil painting that belongs to the Realism art movement and falls under the landscape genre.
In the artwork, Corot depicts a tranquil rural scene featuring a cluster of houses nestled closely together in the vicinity of Orleans. The detailed and precise brushwork reflects the defining characteristics of Realism, capturing the serene and unembellished countryside setting. The houses, with their various angles and red-tiled roofs, occupy the majority of the composition, their placement emphasizing the tranquility and simplicity of rural life. The soft, natural light casts gentle shadows, adding depth and a sense of calm to the painting. The surrounding greenery and the dusty path leading into the scene further enhance the bucolic charm, offering a glimpse into the serene and picturesque rural landscape captured by the artist.