Remembrance of Italy

"Remembrance of Italy" is a poetic etching created by the influential French landscape painter Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot (French, 1796-1875) between 1861 and 1871. This significant print was produced during the later phase of Corot’s career, when he dedicated increased energy to experimenting with graphic media. Printed with the expertise of master printer Auguste Delâtre and published by Cadart et Chavalier, Editeurs, the work is rendered on tan laid paper, a support that adds subtle warmth to the delicate lines.

The etching technique allowed Corot to translate the characteristic atmospheric softness of his oil paintings into the monochromatic constraints of prints. The subject matter, as suggested by the title, recalls the foundational trips Corot made to Italy in the 1820s, which were crucial to the development of his signature style. Rather than depicting a specific scene, the work evokes a feeling of memory and light, utilizing soft modeling and nuanced tones typical of his later period.

The revival of etching in France during the mid-19th century provided artists a new avenue for artistic expression and dissemination. Works like this allowed Corot to reach a broader audience beyond the traditional Salon setting. This intimate depiction of landscape resides in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, showcasing the technical mastery and evocative mood that made Corot one of the leading figures of the Barbizon school. As a key historical work, this image is frequently categorized within public domain resources, ensuring continued scholarly access to Corot’s graphic oeuvre.