Le bac (1866)

Charles-François Daubigny (15 February 1817 – 19 February 1878) was a distinguished French painter and an influential member of the Barbizon school. Acclaimed for his expressive landscapes, Daubigny’s work represented a shift from classical landscape painting to the emerging, innovative styles that later defined French art movements. His paintings frequently depict peaceful rural vistas, rivers, and the serene atmosphere of the French countryside.

As an important forerunner of impressionism, Daubigny significantly influenced younger painters like Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. By painting in the open air, or "en plein air," he was able to convey the fleeting light and varied moods of nature with immediacy—an approach that would become central to the impressionist movement.

Besides his achievements in painting, Daubigny was also a highly productive printmaker. He played a vital part in reviving etching during the 19th century, creating refined and atmospheric prints that reflected his approach to painting. Moreover, he was one of the earliest artists to explore and promote the cliché verre process, a technique blending aspects of printmaking with photography.

Daubigny’s inventive methods and steadfast focus on natural themes earned him widespread esteem among his peers throughout his life. He is remembered as a key link connecting the realism of the Barbizon school with the forward-looking spirit of impressionism, ensuring his lasting significance in the history of European art.