The artwork, titled “Saint Nicholas les Arras, Willows on the Banks of the Scarpe,” was created by Camille Corot during the years 1871 to 1872. Rendered in oil on canvas, this piece is characteristic of the Realism art movement. The dimensions of the artwork are 38.1 x 46.7 cm, and it is classified under the landscape genre. This exquisite painting currently resides in a private collection.
This serene landscape features the tranquil banks of the Scarpe river, adorned with tall, stately willow trees. The willows, with their distinctive, gnarled trunks and sparse branches, are depicted with meticulous brushwork, emphasizing the naturalistic elements typical of the Realism movement. In the foreground, a figure clad in humble attire can be observed with their back turned, seated near the water’s edge. The background reveals a village in the distance, complete with rooftops and a church steeple, subtly included to provide context and depth to the scene. The muted, earthy palette employed by Corot enhances the overall tranquil and contemplative atmosphere of the composition, making it a quintessential depiction of a peaceful, rural landscape.
