The Augustan Bridge at Narni

Like many artists of his day, Corot traveled to Italy to study the works of the great Renaissance masters and paint the great Roman ruins. During his youthful sojourn in the country, he was challenged by the bright sunlight of the Italian countryside, which produced intense yellow hues that threatened to wash away all other colors. He was able to overcome his challenge, however, to the benefit of his color palette, which he would take with him throughout the rest of his paintings. He learned to take a monochromatic scheme and vary the shades to beautiful complimentary tones. This particular view was also painted by Corot’s fellow artists Achille-Etna Michallon, who had been Corot’s teacher, and his friend Ernst Fries.