The Woodcutter of Rembrandt (Le Bucheron de Rembrandt)

The Woodcutter of Rembrandt (Le Bucheron de Rembrandt) by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, executed in 1853, stands as an important example of the relatively rare photographic-printing hybrid known as cliché-verre. Developed in the 1850s, primarily among French artists like Corot and members of the Barbizon School, the cliché-verre technique involved coating a glass plate with an opaque ground, then etching or scratching an image directly into the layer. This plate was subsequently used as a negative, printed onto light-sensitive paper. This fusion of drawing and photography allowed the artist to produce multiple prints with a spontaneity akin to sketching, positioning Corot at the forefront of experimental graphic arts during the period of 1851 to 1875.

Corot’s choice of the subject, which directly references the Dutch Golden Age master, suggests an interest in dramatic chiaroscuro and robust figural study, distinct from the light-filled landscapes for which he is best known. The title itself, emphasizing Rembrandt, hints at the dark tonality and concentrated focus typical of 17th-century etchings. In this print, Corot manages the delicate balance between the photographic registration and the hand-drawn line, creating rich black and white contrasts. This technical innovation helped bridge the gap between traditional printmaking and emerging photographic arts within the French art scene of the mid-nineteenth century.

As a work produced during Corot’s mature period, The Woodcutter of Rembrandt demonstrates his versatility and commitment to exploring new mediums. Though primarily known for his oil paintings, Corot’s approximately 60 cliché-verre works are essential to understanding the evolution of 19th-century prints. This specific piece is held in the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., where it serves as a significant archival record of experimental French printmaking. Due to the historical nature of the production, high-quality images of this art are often considered part of the public domain, making Corot's innovative graphic work accessible globally.