Camille Corot Biography

Camille Corot, born as Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, was a famous 19th century French painter known for his landscape painting. He was the leading painter of the Barbizon school—a movement towards realism in art as opposed to romanticism that was more prevalent during that era. He left a profound impact on the later 19th century landscape painting and influenced the Impressionist movement. Corot demonstrated no early talent or love for art as a youngster; he began oil painting only when he was well into his mid 20s. On deciding to pursue art as a profession, he went to study under the landscapist Achille Etna Michallon. Under his tutelage he learnt the art of tracing lithographs, copying three-dimensional forms, and making landscape sketches. Corot also studied under Michallon’s teacher, Jean-Victor Bertin, one of the best Neo-Classic landscape painters in France. While studying under Bertin, Corot began to specialize in landscape painting. He traveled extensively all over France and also visited Italy. During these trips, he would spend time outdoors and paint landscapes. He perfected the skill of rendering an unusual transparency and clarity to his paintings through the use of light and dark tones of colours. Corot was a man so devoted to his art that he never got married and spent his later years engaged in philanthropic activities.