Avignon from the West

Artist Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (1796 - 1875)

Datec. 1836

MediumOil on canvas

Dimensions34 × 73.2 cm

ClassificationsPaintings

Credit LineSir Hugh Lane Bequest, 1917, The National Gallery, London. In partnership with Hugh Lane Gallery, Dublin.

Object number3237

DescriptionCorot was an inveterate traveller. In July 1836, he stayed in Avignon with three other landscape painters: Prosper Marilhat (1811- 1847), Gaspard Lacroix (1810-1878) and Achille Francey (he exhibited at the Salon from 1835 to 1859). There, he painted this view of the city of the Popes.
Taken from Villeneuve-lès-Avignon, on the other side of the river Rhône, it shows, on the foreground, hills and olive trees; in the middle distant, the town of Avignon with its huge Palace of the Popes; and to the left, the river and the famous broken bridge of St. Bénézet; in the background, purple hills of the Provence region.
The palace of the Popes, which is seen in brilliant sunshine, contrasts with the old districts, in the shadow. This masterpiece, a true reminiscent of his Italian landscapes, is painted in the same harsh and white light.
Another version, also in May's collection, was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1932 (n°296). It is perhaps the copy made by Corot's friend and pupil, Edouard Brandon (1831 - 1897) as, according to Robaut (1905, vol. II, p.116, n°328, repr.), Corot lent the present painting to Brandon in 1873.
The Palace of the Popes occupies the middle distance. To the left meadowland, to the right the town of Avignon. The immediate foreground is dotted with bushes, a farmhouse to the left, a tree to the right.

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