The Large Oak Tree, Forest of Fontainebleau 1839

Theodore Rousseau's "The Large Oak Tree, Forest of Fontainebleau" (1839) is a picturesque depiction of the French forest, a subject he frequently explored. The painting, now housed at the Saint Louis Art Museum, exemplifies the Barbizon School's focus on capturing the natural world with realism and sensitivity. The central oak tree, its gnarled branches reaching skyward, dominates the composition, while the surrounding foliage creates a sense of depth and tranquility. Rousseau's masterful use of light and shadow adds a dramatic dimension, enhancing the play of sunlight filtering through the trees.