Souvenir of Ostia (Souvenir d'Ostie)

Souvenir of Ostia (Souvenir d'Ostie) is a distinctive print created by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot in 1855. This work utilizes the unique photographic-etching process known as cliché-verre, presented here as a counterproof. The composition, likely stemming from Corot’s extensive travels and studies around Rome, captures the atmosphere of the ancient port of Ostia, a favored location for artists seeking classical inspiration combined with rustic, pastoral settings.

Corot was a leading figure among a small group of French artists who embraced the cliché-verre technique during the mid-19th century, fitting within the art period spanning 1851 to 1875. This innovative process required the artist to draw or scratch an image directly onto a light-sensitive glass plate coated with an opaque material. The plate was then exposed to sunlight, allowing the light to pass through the artist's drawn lines onto photographic paper. This fusion of drawing and photography enabled Corot to achieve the subtle gradations of tone and atmospheric softness characteristic of his oil paintings, circumventing the laborious and more rigid methods of traditional etching.

The result is a delicate print, emphasizing light and shadow over sharp delineation. The soft quality of the medium enhances the meditative nature of the scene, which functions less as a detailed topographical record and more as a personal, evocative recollection—a true "souvenir." The exploration of light through printing demonstrates Corot's commitment to experimentation throughout his career. Souvenir of Ostia resides in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, serving as a key example of the master’s pioneering work within the realm of artistic prints. As an historical masterwork, this piece often exists in the public domain, making Corot's contributions to French printmaking widely accessible.