Tower on the Horizon of a Lake (Tour a l'horizon d'un lac)

Tower on the Horizon of a Lake (Tour a l'horizon d'un lac), created by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot in 1871, is a key example of the artist’s innovative engagement with experimental printing techniques late in his career. Classified as a print, this piece utilizes the specialized medium of cliché-verre, a hybrid process combining elements of drawing and early photography. Rather than relying on acid etching or direct stone drawing, Corot would scratch or draw his image onto a glass plate coated with an opaque substance. This plate was then used as a negative, printed directly onto light-sensitive paper, resulting in an image with unique tonal variances and textural qualities.

The work depicts a serene, atmospheric scene characteristic of the French landscape tradition during the 1851 to 1875 period. The central subject is an isolated tower structure rising dramatically against the low horizon line of a lake or large body of water. Corot manipulates the tonal range inherent to the cliché-verre process to emphasize the reflective quality of the water and the hazy, soft distinction between the sky and the distant landmass. This focus on capturing mood and the subtleties of light over detailed topography is fundamental to Corot's highly influential style.

This print reflects Corot’s persistent interest in tranquil rural settings, themes foundational to mid-nineteenth century French art. Though primarily known for his oil paintings, Corot produced numerous innovative prints, often treating graphic arts as an intimate, experimental endeavor. Today, this example of Corot’s graphic output is held in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art. As a major work from this crucial period, high-resolution reproductions of Tower on the Horizon of a Lake are often made available through museum and public domain programs, allowing broad access to the work of this masterful artist.