Village in Brittany

Charles François Daubigny's Village in Brittany from 1844 is an early work by the painter who would become one of the most important precursors of Impressionism. Daubigny, who later became famous for painting from a floating studio boat on the rivers of France, began his career with detailed rural landscapes that already show his commitment to direct observation of nature. His work in Brittany preceded his association with the Barbizon school.

Daubigny's oil on paper, mounted on canvas, demonstrates his early approach to landscape with careful, detailed brushwork and naturalistic coloring. The direct observation of the Breton village and surrounding landscape anticipates the plein-air commitment that would define his later career.