Souvenir de Mortefontaine
Painting on canvas • Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (Original in the Louvre Museum)
Style & Movement
Barbizon School / Realism transitioning to Lyrical Landscape
Medium & Technique
Oil on canvas, employing a 'flou' (feathered) brushstroke technique, glazing, and a hazy Atmosphere to create a dreamlike quality.
Creation Period
Circa 1864
Dimensions & Format
Original is 65 cm × 89 cm (Landscape format)
Subject Description
A poetic, misty landscape featuring a large, leaning tree on the left and a figure in a boat among reeds on the right. The composition is celebrated for its silvery light and tranquil, nostalgic mood, representing a memory of the lake at Mortefontaine.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Based on visual appearance on a screen); appears to be a digital reproduction or a high-quality print displayed on a monitor.
Estimated Market Value
Original: $15M - $25M (Museum property, essentially priceless). Reproduction: $50 - $200.
Auction Estimate
Reproduction: $20 - $100.
Provenance History
The original was purchased by the French State for Napoleon III in 1864 and is now held in the Louvre. This specific image appears to be a digital display in a domestic setting.
Art Historical Significance
One of Corot's most famous masterpieces, it marks the pinnacle of his later 'poetic' style. It influenced the development of Impressionism, specifically in how it captured the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere.
Notable Features
The distinctive silvery-grey palette and the use of the birch tree as a vertical anchor are hallmark features of Corot's mature style.
Condition Issues
Screen glare and low resolution in the provided image. If it is a physical print, potential issues include fading or surface dust.
Conservation Recommendations
For a physical version: Keep out of direct sunlight to prevent UV fading; maintain stable humidity. For a digital display: Ensure color calibration.