ˆ, also here, Théodore Rousseau, etching, two states; roughly 4 x 7″ (12 x 17 cm), in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, DC.
In this wonderful etching by the 19th century French painter we see a beautifully evocative view into the depths of the forest — likely the Forest of Fontinebleau, where he and the other members of the French Barbizon School spent much time painting and sketching on location.
The NGA collection contains example of the etching in two states; Both states are dated 1861. It’s not unusual for artists to print an edition of an etching, continue work or it and print again, possibly multiple times.
What I find confusing there is the apparent existence of prints in opposite directions. It seems unlikely that the National Gallery would allow a simple error, like a reversal of a photograph, in the presentation of their collection, but I don’t know how an etching could be physically printed in two directions. (Perhaps a fresh print could be used to make a second monoprint? I don’t know.)
The Dallas Museum of Art has a print of the darker state with the large oak to the left.