Is it possible for a street to embody the spirit of an artist? Here on Rue Camille Corot, it certainly feels that way. This street in the 16th arrondissement of Paris pays homage to Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. He was a celebrated French painter.
Rue Camille Corot is a modest stretch. It is only 105 meters long and 12 meters wide. The street links Rue Wilhem and Avenue Théophile-Gautier. Originally, this street was named Impasse de Seine. It was part of the former commune of Auteuil. The street was renamed Rue Corot in 1879.
Camille Corot was born in Paris in 1796. He died there in 1875. He is best known for his landscapes. Corot’s work significantly influenced the Impressionists. His oil sketches are admired for their freedom and color.
Corot’s parents were prosperous. His mother owned a milliner’s shop. His father was a draper. Camille showed little interest in following his father’s trade. At 25, he received an allowance. This allowed him to pursue his dream of becoming a painter.
Like many young artists, Corot studied at the Louvre. He also received private instruction from Achille-Etna Michallon and Jean-Victor Bertin. Corot preferred painting outdoors. He learned from direct experience.
In 1825, Corot traveled to Rome. These three years profoundly impacted his art. He painted the city and surrounding countryside. He visited Naples and Venice. He remained unmarried. Corot dedicated his life to painting.
Corot established a routine. He spent spring and summer painting outdoors. He created small sketches from nature. Corot mastered tonal relationships. Balance was more important to him than color. In winter, he worked on larger pictures in his Paris studio. He presented these at the annual Salon.
His first important work was “The Bridge at Narni”. It was shown at the Paris Salon in 1827. In 1833, he exhibited a landscape of the forest of Fontainebleau. This earned him a medal.
From 1834, Corot made a second visit to Italy. He painted views of Volterra, Florence, and Venice. These sketches provided material for years.
In his later years, Corot traveled less. He visited Switzerland, the Netherlands, and London. His favorite regions in France included Fontainebleau, Normandy, and Ville-d’Avray.
Corot painted topographical landscapes. He depicted buildings precisely. The sketch was his direct response to nature. Finished pictures were for the Salon. These included figures from legend or the Bible.
Corot used figures incidentally. In the 1860s, he created “Souvenirs”. These landscapes evoked a mood of melancholy. Later, he painted portraits of young women.
During the 1830s, Corot gained critical success. In 1840, the state purchased one of his works. In 1845, Charles Baudelaire recognized Corot’s importance. By 1846, he was a member of the Legion of Honour.
At number 4 Rue Camille Corot once stood a house of historical note. It belonged to Chancellor d’Aguesseau. Later, it was owned by Marquis Antoine Destutt de Tracy. The church Notre-Dame-d’Auteuil was rebuilt nearby. Today, a modern building stands.
As you stroll along Rue Camille Corot, remember the artist. Imagine Corot setting up his easel. He would be capturing the light and atmosphere of Paris. His legacy lives on in the art. It also lives on in this street.