Landscape c. 1860

Theodore Rousseau's "Landscape" (c. 1860) is a small-scale oil painting that captures the essence of the French countryside. Known for his realist depictions of nature, Rousseau uses subtle brushstrokes to convey the dense foliage and atmospheric light of a forest clearing. The scene, dominated by a cluster of trees with intertwining branches, evokes a sense of tranquility and isolation. This artwork is a prime example of the Barbizon school, a movement that emphasized the beauty of rural landscapes and the direct observation of nature. It is currently housed in The Art Institute of Chicago.