Souvenir of Normandy,

ca. 1870

Although trained in the "historic landscape" tradition of painting historical, mythological, and biblical scenes in natural settings, Corot never competed for the French Academy’s Rome Prize—but went to Italy on his own in 1825. There, he painted plein-air (outdoor) sketches. He later traveled widely in France and executed paintings like this from memory. His mature works are characterized by a muted palette, soft, diffuse light, and the inclusion of peasants or mythological figures, such as nymphs and fauns. He was honored in his later years as a pioneering figure in landscape painting, and his popularity was such that large numbers of his works survive, along with many imitations.