The Roman Campagna with the Claudian Aqueduct 1828

Camille Corot made this oil on canvas painting of the Roman Campagna, but we don't know exactly when. The location of the Campagna is in the countryside outside Rome, Italy. The image presents a panoramic view of the Italian landscape, punctuated by the architectural remains of the ancient Roman aqueduct. Corot was a French artist, so why paint an Italian landscape? Well, Rome had become a popular destination for European artists and intellectuals since the 17th century. It was seen as a center of culture and history. Artists often went there to study classical art and architecture, as part of their artistic training. They also went in search of aesthetic inspiration from the landscape itself. Corot made three trips to Italy throughout his career. What can we say about Corot’s painting in terms of cultural institutions? Well, his painting reflects a particular cultural and artistic orientation of 19th century Europe, one in which classical antiquity was seen as a foundation for contemporary art. The image represents a dialogue between past and present, nature and culture. To understand this dynamic, we can consult travel journals, biographies of artists, and histories of art academies.