The Getty and LA Phil Pay Homage to Théodore Rousseau

by | Jul 31, 2016 | Art, Museums

“Forest of Fontainebleau, Cluster of Tall Trees Overlooking the Plain of Clair-Bois at the Edge of Bas Bréau” by Théodore Rousseau at The J. Paul Getty Museum

There is only a little over a month left to see “Unruly Nature: The Landscapes of Théodore Rousseau” at the The Getty Center. The exhibition runs until September 11, 2016 and is the most extensive feature of Rousseau since the hundredth anniversary of his death, when the Louvre dedicated a show to the artist in 1967.

Rousseau’s art contains elements of “neoclassical landscape tradition” as well as “currents of romantic naturalism,” according to a press release. Rousseau’s strengths lies in the diversity of his abilities, painting forests to plains through various seasons and with different lighting. From chalk drawings to oil paintings featuring dark green and brown trees against hazy light, the exhibition strives to show all facets of his work and how he helped popularize landscapes in French art.

“Rousseau’s art has epic mood swings, from the most turbulent, heady, and impulsive to the most dispassionate, patient, and analytical,” said Scott Allan, co-curator of the exhibition, in the press release.

“Morning Effect” by Théodore Rousseau from the Norton Simon Foundation

On August 18, the Los Angeles Philharmonic will devote an evening concert to Rousseau at the Hollywood Bowl. The pieces are composed by Rousseau’s favorites, including Mozart, Beethoven, and Weber, and the music will be accompanied by a video analyzing Rousseau’s influences.

The Getty Center is located at 1200 Getty Center Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90049.

Th Hollywood Bowl is located at 2301 Highland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068.