Sous-bois, environs de Sénart

This woodland landscape from around 1850 shows Delacroix painting the forests near Senart where he frequently retreated from Paris. His landscape studies demonstrate a contemplative side that contrasts with his dramatic narrative paintings. Delacroix executed the work with his characteristic broken, energetic brushwork and rich colorism, building up his surfaces in ways that directly influenced the Impressionists who studied his technique at the Louvre after his death.

The forest interior is rendered with rich green tones and atmospheric light effects. Delacroix's fluid brushwork captures the play of light through the canopy.