The artwork “View of Tivoli (after Corot)” is an oil on canvas painting created by Berthe Morisot in the year 1863. This piece is rendered in the Impressionist style, representing the landscape genre, and its provenance is a private collection. The painting offers a view of the Italian town of Tivoli, capturing the essence of its natural and built environment, resonant of the plein air painting approach that Impressionists would later fully embrace, although Morisot’s work in 1863 was still in the developmental phase of this movement.
In the artwork, the viewer is presented with a serene vista from a high vantage point overlooking Tivoli. The focal point is a solitary figure seated on a stone balustrade, effortlessly blending with the natural surroundings. This human presence adds scale and emotional context to the scene. The artist has meticulously balanced the composition using natural elements; tall, dark cypress trees rise prominently on the left, in stark contrast to the pale, open sky, while a more delicate tree softens this divide. Rich, earthy tones define the architecture nestled amidst verdant foliage, giving the viewer a sense of the tranquility that characterizes small-town life. In the distance, the horizon is graced by gentle mountains, adding depth and a sense of expansiveness to the artwork.
The painting’s execution with loose brushwork is suggestive of the Impressionist technique, emphasizing the fleeting qualities of light and atmosphere rather than the precision of details. This approach allows Morisot to capture a moment in time, expressing it through her personal vision and sensitivity to the surrounds, rather than a strict adherence to the academic styles prevalent during her era.
