Rousseau, the founder of the Barbizon school, had the landscapes of such
XVII century Hollanders as Ruisdael and of the English Constable as
precedents. Diaz, one of Rousseau’s followers, was fond of painting
landscapes dark with sullen skies or forest shade, enlivened with bright
spots where human figures are introduced or where the sun penetrates the
trees. Daubigny, younger and less romantic, introduces with his freer
handling, a yet more modern spirit. These two paintings are part of the
memorial gift of Mrs. Frederick B. Wells.
[Landscape with Cattle. Constant Troyon, 1810-1865]