Rome from the Pincio
Artist
Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
(1796 - 1875)
Datec. 1826-1827
MediumOil on canvas
Dimensions18 x 29 cm
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineCollection & image © Hugh Lane Gallery.
Purchased through public subscriptions collected by Rose Barton, 1905.
Object number550
DescriptionCorot travelled to Rome in 1825 and remained there until 1828. He made several atmospheric observations of Rome and its environs. A preparatory drawing for this work is in the Louvre, Paris and there are three other versions of the painting. All were painted between 1826 and 1827. The most finished version is in Musée Departmental de l'Oise, Beauvais. The Hugh Lane painting is less defined but is nonetheless a masterpiece in its own right. Corot depicts the fountain basin in the immediate foreground with the cupola of St. Peter's behind. In fact, this is an idealised view as it is not possible to see this particular view from the Villa Medici. In order to achieve a classical harmony in the composition, Corot has substituted the spout of the fountain for the obscured dome of the basilica. The figure of a priest can be discerned in front of the tree on the right.The view-point is low and he places the dome above the horizon line. This work is also an excellent study in light and shade with the light radiating from the middle section of the work. Corot's master, Achille-Etna Michallon had painted the same fountain, albeit from a different angle.
On View
Not on view
Gustavo Bacarisas
