Corot's cool, serene, and luminous landscapes mark the mid-point of the 19th century painting. Pure landcape painting was in low regard; the few landscape paintings that were generally accepted contained small figure groups, of historical or mythological scenes, as their justification. Yet Corot was naturally suited for landscape portayal, enjoying as he did the quiet contemplation of nature.

Corot's great distinction lay in his unique personal vision. The landscape scene, through Corot's eyes, was transformed into a single, contained movement in time; a moment of such complete, serene communion with nature that it became fixed forever in an unforgettable image. The tiny motionless figures that usually appear in these landscapes tend to symbolize the complete human relation with the natural setting. And the carefully proportioned, balanced compositions lend to the harmony and serenity of mood.

This view of Ville d"Avray, looking toward the buildings of Cabassus, is in Corot's later "feathery" style, which became highly successful. The firmly structured buildings in the distance, and the solid hills beyond, are reminiscent of his earlier style.  Source: Bulletin, April 1963.