The Gardens of the Villa d'Este, Tivoli 1843

Camille Corot painted ‘The Gardens of the Villa d'Este, Tivoli’ using oil on canvas. Corot produced this painting during one of his several trips to Italy. The gardens, built in the 16th century, were a popular destination for European artists and tourists. This image reflects the grand tour tradition, in which wealthy Europeans traveled to Italy to study its art, architecture, and history. In this painting, Corot creates meaning through the composition; the lone figure interrupts the expansive view of the gardens. By situating him on the wall, a marker between two spaces, Corot hints at the social structures that shape access to culture. He invites us to consider the politics of seeing, and whose experiences are validated. To understand more, look to travelogues, social histories, and accounts of artistic exchange that can tell us about the relationship between art, tourism, and social class.