Landscape with thunderstorms c. 1860 - 1867

This is Landscape with Thunderstorms, painted by Theodore Rousseau in the mid-19th century. The artist has rendered the scene in oil on paper. Look closely, and you'll see how Rousseau has made full use of the material's inherent qualities. Notice the texture, a result of the oil paint dragged and dabbed across the surface. The weight of the dark pigments in the sky contrasts with the light ground and the delicate rendering of the trees. The artist's technique here involves a gestural application, giving a sense of immediacy and spontaneity. Rousseau was part of the Barbizon school, who favored painting en plein air, or outdoors. This approach was revolutionary, it allowed for a direct engagement with nature. The labor is visible in the quick, expressive brushwork that captures the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. It is an interesting contrast, isn't it, to the highly finished landscapes typical of the French academy at that time? Ultimately, this painting asks us to consider the social context in which it was created and displayed. The choice of materials, the process of its making, and the artist's intention all contribute to its meaning. By attending to these aspects, we can gain a richer understanding of the artist's creative practice.