Unknown_Corot-2012

Chronology Compiled by Megan Wiessner (For an extensive chronology, see Paris, Ottawa and New York 1996 , pp. 409 ff.)

1796

Born July 17 in Paris.

1815–22

After completing secondary studies in Rouen and Poissy, apprentices with cloth merchants in Paris. Becomes more interested in art, however, and begins taking drawing lessons. His parents purchase a country house in Ville d’Avray. His future teacher Achille-Etna Michallon ( 1796 – 1822 ) wins the Grand Prix de Rome for historical landscape. His parents accept his decision to become an artist, and agree to provide a yearly income. Enters Michallon’s studio and spends the summer working outdoors at Fontainebleau, Saint-Cloud, and in Normandy before Michallon’s death in the fall. Joins the studio of landscape painter Jean-Victor Bertin ( 1767 – 1842 ) and works in Fontainebleau and Moret. Begins his first voyage to Italy. Arrives in Rome in December, rents a room near the Piazza di Spagna, paints several views of the city and the Coliseum, and befriends other artists. Works along the Tiber and in the Farnese Gardens. Passes the greater part of the summer in the region of Civita Castellana; stays at Papigno in August and September. Returns to Rome in October. Journeys south of Rome to Lake Albano and Lake Nemi in November, and works in Tivoli in December. In Rome from January to April. Sends two paintings, Vue prise à Narni (National Gallery of Canada, Ottowa) and Campagne de Rome (Kunsthaus, Zurich) to the Salon. Journeys include Lake Albano, Civitella, the Subiaco region, and Civitella Castellana. Returns to Rome in November, and works on large paintings intended for the Salon during the winter of 1827 – 28 . Paints his first historical landscape, Orphée charme les humains.

1817

1822

1823–24

1825

1826

1827

1828

After a visit to Naples in the spring, and brief stays in Venice and Switzerland, returns to Paris in October.

1829

Visits Normandy and, for the first time, Brittany. Begins painting portraits of friends. Exhibits two Italian views at the Galerie Lebrun in Paris.