Bologne sur Mer, View from the High Cliffs 1860

Camille Corot created this evocative landscape, Bologne sur Mer, using oil on canvas, a technique perfected over centuries. Look closely at the materiality: see how the loose brushstrokes and muted tones convey a sense of atmosphere and transience. The oil paint, applied in thin layers, creates a subtle texture that captures the play of light on the cliffs, sea and clouds. Corot's approach to painting, capturing fleeting moments in nature, was a departure from the more formal, academic styles of his time. His work reflects a shift towards direct observation and personal expression, aligning with broader social changes and a growing appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. By focusing on the here and now, Corot elevates the everyday into something profound. He reminds us that true artistry lies not only in technical skill but in the ability to see and convey the world around us with fresh eyes.