Le Vallon des Chevres c. 1872

Camille Corot made this painting, Le Vallon des Chèvres, in France, a country that was going through monumental social change at the time. He worked during a time of revolutions and shifting social structures. Corot's artistic journey took place alongside France's industrial revolution. The painting evokes nostalgia for a simpler, rural way of life that was disappearing as the industrial revolution progressed. It invites us to consider the contrast between urbanization and the tranquility of nature. Paintings like this demonstrate the academy’s influence on artistic taste. To fully understand Corot's work, we can delve into exhibition records and critical reviews from the period, shedding light on the evolving perceptions and cultural values of 19th-century French society. Studying art involves tracing the intricate connections between art, society, and history.