Mornex 

Camille Corot’s painting, Mornex, crafted with oil paints and brushes, presents us with more than just a picturesque landscape. The materiality of oil paint lends a unique texture and depth to the scene. Notice how Corot uses layers of pigment to capture the light filtering through the trees. The brushstrokes themselves are visible, reminding us of the artist's hand in creating this image. But beyond the aesthetic appeal, consider the labor involved, the time taken to mix pigments, stretch canvas, and apply each stroke. Corot painted landscapes, often with figures, that were populated by the laboring classes. In Mornex, the figures of the children are not romanticized. They are placed within the broader social context, hinting at the realities of rural life and labor. By understanding the materials, processes, and social context of this painting, we appreciate the skill involved in its making. This approach challenges the traditional hierarchy of art history, where landscapes might be seen as less important than other genres.