This drawing relates to a group of drawings made by Caruelle dʼAligny in the forest of Fontainebleau in 1828-1829 after his return from Italy.
While traveling in Italy in 1828, Caruelle dʼAligny met Corot and quickly viewed him as a mentor. Returning to France, the artist worked alongside Corot, Diaz, and Rousseau in Fontainebleau. Caruelle dʼAlignyʼs drawings of rocky and foliated patches of the forest are closely observed, with the artist reveling in the quirks and irregularities of nature. Despite the striking contemporary nature of his studies, with their linear style and well-defined contours, he often used them as backgrounds for paintings with mythological subjects. -- Exhibition Label, "Into the Woods: 19th Century Drawings and Photographs from the Karen B. Cohen Gift"
Albin, Phillipe, former owner.