Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot: The Poet of Light and Shadow Born in Paris on July 17, 1796, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot’s life was a testament to the evolving spirit of French art. The son of a cloth merchant and a milliner, his path to artistic recognition wasn't paved with privilege but forged through perseverance and an unwavering dedication to capturing the essence of nature. Initially apprenticed to drapers – a common route for young men seeking employment – Corot’s true calling emerged when, at the age of 26, he secured the freedom to pursue painting wholeheartedly. This pivotal moment m…