'I hope with all my heart there will be painting in heaven' ~Camille Corot
The Woodcutter / Oil on canvas / 1865-70
Corot was one of the most successful landscape painters of 19th century France and was a very influential figure in Parisian society.
Most of the Impressionists rejected the traditional approach found in Corot's work, they also embraced his naturalistic effects of light and atmosphere.
Like nearly all artists of his time, Corot painted preparatory oil sketches outside in nature - the Impressionists admired this outside ability to express their freedom and freshness.
Meadow with Two Large Trees / Oil on canvas / 1865-1870
Corot painted in the French countryside during the Summer months, and was often in the company of younger artists who were keen to learn from the affable 'Father Corot'.
The famous artist Pissarro once described himself as a pupil of Corot.
Corot was more than happy to nurture new talent, but he was not receptive to art that deviated from his own style. He disliked Impressionism and being a member of Salon's jury, took part in decisions to exclude Impressionist paintings from the Paris Salon.
An older Monet once commented bitterly 45 years after Corot's death, 'The good Corot, I don't know about that, but what I do know is that he was very bad for us. The swine! He barred the door of the Salon to us. Oh, how he slashed at us, pursued us like criminals. And how all of us without exception admired him.'
