Interrupted Reading
1870 Art Institute of Chicago
About this artwork
This portrait features a woman resting her head on one hand while holding a small book, captured with the artist's characteristic soft, atmospheric brushwork. It is one of Corot's most celebrated figure paintings, showcasing his late-career focus on contemplative subjects.
Did you know?
While Corot is world-renowned for his misty, poetic landscapes, his late figure paintings were actually kept private during his lifetime. He referred to these studio studies as his 'little amusements,' painting them primarily for his own pleasure rather than for public exhibition. Today, these works are considered masterpieces that bridge the gap between classic academic portraiture and the burgeoning Impressionist movement.
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Interrupted Reading
Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot, 1870
