A Washerwoman at Eragny

Camille Pissarro

Created:
Movement:
1893
Impressionism
key Notes:
Rural tranquility, Impressionist brushwork
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Dimensions:
18 x 15 in. (45.7 x 38.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
story of the work:

"A Washerwoman at Eragny" is a painting by Camille Pissarro, created in 1893. The work depicts a washerwoman engaged in her daily labor, set against the backdrop of the rural landscape of Eragny, a village in France where Pissarro lived for several years. This painting exemplifies Pissarro's interest in capturing the lives of working-class individuals and the natural environment. The artist employed a pointillist technique, characteristic of his later works, which involves the use of small dots of color to create a vibrant composition. Pissarro's focus on light and atmosphere is evident in the way he rendered the interplay of sunlight and shadow. The painting is part of the collection at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris. The exact circumstances of its creation and the specific model for the washerwoman remain unknown.

Description of the work:

"A Washerwoman at Eragny" by Camille Pissarro, created in 1893, depicts a solitary figure engaged in the act of washing clothes by a riverbank. The composition is characterized by a vibrant palette, with a predominance of greens and blues that evoke the natural setting. The brushwork is loose and expressive, typical of Pissarro's Impressionist style, allowing for a sense of movement and light. The figure of the washerwoman is rendered in a simplified manner, emphasizing her connection to the landscape rather than individual detail. The background features a lush, dappled environment, with trees and foliage that frame the scene. The interplay of light and shadow creates depth, enhancing the overall atmosphere of tranquility. The painting reflects Pissarro's interest in rural life and the dignity of labor, capturing a moment of everyday activity within a harmonious natural setting.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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A Washerwoman at Eragny