A look back at Corot’s long career as the most successful landscape painter of his generation reveals many different personalities. His style changed so dramatically over the years that he could be defined as not one but several distinct artists. Yet, even among all these various styles, he is best remembered for his plein air studies executed in Italy early in his career, such as the present work.

Dated by Dieterle and Lebeau to circa 1828, the present work depicts a view around Rocca di Papa, outside of Rome, which includes both the Alban hills and part of the Lazio hills. On the left is the old volcano Monte Cavo, which the artist also painted in a slightly larger canvas from a different angle a few years earlier (fig. 1). On the top of Monte Cavo one can make out the silhouette of the monastery which dates to the Middle Ages but was restored in 1783.

This view, however, was not.mes ant to be a topographical study of the area. Corot was painting the atmosphere--using his unique sense of light and space to create a romantic and moving vision of the Roman countryside. He has injected a range of warm colors yet kept the tonality restrained and muted. There is drama but also quiet, creating a tension that Corot was uniquely capable of and which particularly appeals to the modern eye.

This lot is accompanied by a certificate of authentication from Martin Dieterle and Claire Lebeau.