Georges Michel - Stormy Landscape with Ruins on a Plain [after 1830]

Georges Michel - Stormy Landscape with Ruins on a Plain [after 1830], a photo by Gandalf's Gallery on Flickr.

Michel worked mainly in the outskirts of Paris. This painting probably dates from after 1830 when he began to adopt a bold and vigorous approach to landscape painting which was based on his studies in the open air. Michel always painted in a small area around Paris, including Montmartre and the plains of Saint-Denis. He became increasingly interested in the dramatic use of light and shade, and his mature work is characterised by stormy skies, broad brushstrokes and vivid contrasts. His paintings had a decisive impact on the Barbizon artists.

[Oil on paper mounted on canvas, 55.7 x 81 cm]