A muted autumnal scene by Charles-François Daubigny, 'Oktober' captures a flat, expansive field under a grey sky, with wisps of smoke rising from small fires and a flock of birds in flight.

Charles-François Daubigny (1817-1878) was a French painter associated with the Barbizon School, a group of artists who advocated painting directly from nature. Daubigny's work is characterised by its atmospheric effects and loose brushwork, prefiguring Impressionism. He found inspiration in the French countryside, particularly the rivers and fields around his home. His approach influenced later artists such as Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. 'Oktober' presents a muted, autumnal scene. The composition is dominated by a flat, expansive field under a grey sky. Wisps of smoke rise from small fires dotted across the horizon, suggesting agricultural activity. A flock of birds flies across the upper portion of the canvas, adding a sense of movement. In the foreground, a simple structure, possibly a shed or farmhouse, stands to the left. The colour palette is restrained, with browns, greys, and muted greens conveying the season's subdued tones. The brushstrokes are broad and visible, contributing to the painting's overall sense of immediacy and capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere.