The Barbizon School

The Barbizon School was a 19th-century French art movement centered around a group of painters who preferred to work outdoors, capturing nature and realistic scenes rather than formal, historical or mythological subjects. Based near the village of Barbizon, they emphasized natural light, detailed landscapes, and everyday life, paving the way for Impressionism. Key artists like Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet sought to depict the beauty and truth of rural life with sincerity and immediacy. Their focus on nature and everyday scenes marked a shift toward more authentic and naturalistic art, influencing future generations of painters.