Théodore Rousseau (1812-1867) - A Rocky Landscape - NG4170 - National Gallery

Born in Paris, France, Rousseau showed an early interest in art. He studied with several prominent artists of his time, including Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot and Charles-François Daubigny. Rousseau is best known for his landscapes, which were inspired by the forests and countryside around the village of Barbizon, where he lived and worked for much of his life. His paintings often feature dramatic skies, rugged terrain and the play of light and shadow on trees and foliage. Rousseau was a key figure in the Barbizon School, a group of artists who rejected the traditional academic style of painting in favour of a more naturalistic approach. They sought to capture the beauty and simplicity of the French countryside, and their work had a profound influence on the development of Impressionism. Despite his success as an artist, Rousseau struggled with personal demons throughout his life. He suffered from depression and alcoholism, and his relationships with family and friends were often strained. He died in 1867 at the age of 54, leaving a legacy of beautiful and evocative landscapes that continue to inspire artists today.