Sous Bois. In Woodland. by Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, 1796-1875

Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, 1796-1875
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Sous Bois. In Woodland.

Original lithograph (autograph).An exceptional proof in sanguine/pale brown ink. c.1871. Inscribed in pencil by Robaut (Corot's patron) as a gift: 'e la part d'Alfred Robaut'. Unique in this form.Prior to the very small edition ('quelques épreuves - a few impressions). Printed at the studio of Lemercier, Paris c.1871. Very rare.
Ref: Delteil - Corot Peintre Graveur 31; Melot - Corot no 31.

Beautiful and very unusual impression in sanguine/pale brown ink. On cream light wove paper (papier bulle). Generally excellent condition; some traces of time soiling and slightly 'ragged' sheet edges, as is to be expected with such a trial proof. Sheet: 11 x 8 3/4ins. Image overall approx: 8 5/8 x 6 1/2ins (222x168mm).

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'In Woodland - Sous Bois' was Corot's first work in lithography drawn direct from the subject in the open-air using the papier-autographique (transfer paper) to which his great patron, the connoisseur and collector Alfred Robaut, had introduced him. This impression is exceptional in having a pencil dedication by Robaut. It is also a proof printed in a tone of sanguine/pale brown ink which is very unusual. Delteil, in his 1910 catalogue of Corot's prints, mentions that the first impressions of this work were in black and subsequent ones in sanguine. That is in fact the wrong way round. Just a very few impressions were pulled in sanguine and the edition in black.

Corot's introduction to the use of transfer paper for lithography by Robaut was a truly significant moment in the history of 19th century French printmaking. Corot's approach to the interpretation of light in landscape was to change the whole concept of open-air landscape art. In his etchings he had often complained to his friends that he had to make sketches in the open-air and then translate them into etching back in the studio. Working on blocks of prepared lithographic transfer paper meant hat he could draw his lithographs direct from his subject. As this first work shows it allowed his to compose and capture the effects of light filtered through foliage, which are central to his inspiration, with a totally free and unconstrained handling of line. Sous Bois is a work full of the spontaneity and freedom which was to pave the way for Impressionism.