Charles-Francois Daubigny Paintings

Charles-François Daubigny was a prominent French painter and a member of the Barbizon school, known for his landscape paintings and his influence on the Impressionist movement. Born on February 15, 1817, in Paris, France, he was the son of painter Edme François Daubigny and pupil of his father and of Paul Delaroche.

Daubigny started his career with classical subjects and historical themes but soon shifted his focus to landscape painting, which would become his lifelong passion. He traveled extensively through France, particularly along the Seine and Oise rivers, which would become recurring subjects in his paintings.

His work is characterized by a keen observation of nature, a pioneering use of color, and a preference for capturing the ephemeral effects of light. Daubigny's approach to plein air painting was innovative for his time, and he often worked from a studio boat, known as the 'Botin', which allowed him to immerse himself directly in the landscape.

Daubigny's paintings were well-received, and he became a central figure in the Barbizon school, which sought to express the beauty and simplicity of nature through art. He was also influential in the development of Impressionism. His direct approach to capturing the mood of a landscape, his loose brushwork, and his fascination with light were elements that would heavily influence the Impressionist painters who followed, such as Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh.

Despite his success, Daubigny remained dedicated to his art and continued to innovate throughout his career. He was a regular exhibitor at the Salon, the official art exhibition of the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, and received numerous awards for his work.

Charles-François Daubigny died on February 19, 1878, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire artists for generations. His works can be found in major museums around the world, attesting to his enduring impact on the art world.