Sunset (Soleil couchant), Charles-François Daubigny, 1859

Charles François DaubignyFrench, 1817–1878

Sunset (Soleil couchant)

1859 · Print

Can I see it?

Not on view at present

Where is “Sunset (Soleil couchant)” now? Collection: National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.

National Gallery of Art

Washington, D.C., United States

It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.

Checked: 13 days ago
In this state since: Aug 19, 2026
Source: The museum

On the map Museum page

Details

Accession number: 1947.7.35

What it shows

Landscape Tree Water Animal Man

In the catalog

Prints Etching Realism 19th century French

Sources

National Gallery of Art
Image: National Gallery of Art — Museum open access

In the life of Charles François Daubigny

The whole life

November 1857
First voyage of the studio boat “Botin”
In 1857 Daubigny bought a boat and fitted it out as a floating studio, making his first excursion in November. As “captain” of the Botin he painted along the Seine and the Oise, often around Auvers; the practice so inspired Claude Monet that he built a studio boat of his own.
1859
The Salon of 1859 wins Monet's admiration
Daubigny's paintings at the Paris Salon of 1859 delighted Claude Monet, who praised him as a fine fellow who works well and understands nature.
1860s
His technique influences the future Impressionists
Daubigny's impasto in the lights, translucent glazes in the shadows and small separate strokes, which earned him both praise and harsh criticism, influenced the future Impressionists in the 1860s. Like them, he cared little for crisp contours and favoured a broad manner.
1861
Gautier faults him for sketchiness
Reviewing the Paris Salon in 1861, Théophile Gautier ironically lamented that Daubigny was content with a first impression and neglected detail, so that his pictures were no more than sketches. The critic urged him to abandon this manner as soon as possible.

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