“Olevano, La Serpentara,” created by the artist Camille Corot in 1827, stands as a quintessential example of Realism in landscape painting. Executed using oil on canvas, the artwork measures 33.5 by 47 centimeters. It is presently housed in the Rudolph Staechelin Family Foundation in Basel, Switzerland.
The artwork depicts a serene and expansive landscape, characterized by rolling hills and sparse vegetation, which are rendered in earthy tones of browns and greens. At the heart of the scene, a group of trees stands robustly, casting shadows that give the painting a sense of depth and dimension. The distant mountains are softly delineated against a clear sky that transitions from light blue to slightly more dusky hues towards the horizon. The brushwork is delicate yet decisive, capturing the natural light and atmosphere with remarkable fidelity, embodying both the tranquility and subtle grandeur of the natural world. This piece exemplifies Corot’s skill in portraying the serene majesty of landscapes, blending detailed observation with an overarching sense of harmony.
