The Barbizon School was a group of 19th-century French painters who focused on naturalism and realism. They were named after the village of Barbizon, located near the Forest of Fontainebleau, where many artists gathered to paint landscapes and rural scenes. This movement emphasized the importance of observing nature directly, often working outdoors, which was a departure from the traditional studio practices of the time. Key figures of the Barbizon School included artists like Jean-François Millet, known for his depictions of peasant life, and Theodore Rousseau, who focused on capturing the beauty of the French countryside. Their work laid the groundwork for later movements such as Impressionism, influencing how artists approached light, color, and composition in their paintings.