On the Road
1856
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1856
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
On the Road is a 1856 oil by Jules Dupré, a Barbizon school work, held at Art Institute of Chicago.
This painting shows a lone rider on a horse in a wide, open field. The sky is dark and moody while sunlight breaks through in patches. A dog walks beside them, adding life to the quiet scene. It’s a perfect example of the Barbizon School’s focus on nature over people. The artist loved painting weather and light in the countryside. You can almost feel the wind and smell the damp earth. Look up Jules Dupré if you want to see more of his work.