Edit Object 1436

The visual genesis for such a subtle and simple work of art is anything but those two things. The recurrent essence of paintings from Pissarro's last period of work, the era from which this river scene canvas emerged, is the aggressive application of direct color, isolated yet repeated on the surface, and his effort to avoid bringing together the bordering hues except where and how he chose. Pissarro sought to depict ideals and fact, and his art was always visual first and foremost, choosing to avoid commercially pandering paths.

Smoldering along the Seine River in Rouen, a steam tug runs parallel to a steam ship, on approach to the Stone Bridge Pissarro has settled into the village of Eragny by this point in his long career, and traveled infrequently to both Paris and the Normandy Coast capital of Rouen by ship on the Seine. The artist has cast a green hue in the water and sky, with the hilly elevation beyond carrying still more foliage and warmth. Two gentlemen observers watch from the river platform, ballastrated with a fence and walk leading downward to the water's edge. Some scant other architectural details are present, while the sky is traditionally French gloomy. Interesting that much as a true watercolorist would do, Pissarro chose to let the support board peer through, adding through subtraction with the barren choice.

Beautiful yet gray in overall tone, the essence of shades of green tickle the eye in each element of earth, sky and water. Its strength in its flexible view leads us to believe that this is no sketch, but a Plein-Air vignette directly to board from Pissarro's eyes and deft, quick oil-laden brush.

Select a Type
American Ship Portrait
Barometers
Bells
Binnacles & Compasses
Binoculars
Book Maritime
Book Voyages
Books
Books General
Boylhart Collection
Builders Full Models
Builders Half-Model
Canes - Decorative
Canes - Gimmick
Cannons
Carving
Chronometers
Clocks
Contemporary Art
Contemporary Models
Decorative Art - Boxes
Dieppe Models
Diorama Models
Diving Helmets & Equipment
Dockyard Models
Edged Weapons
Engravings
Figureheads
Firearms
Fishing Equipment
Folk Art Models
Furniture
Glass and Pottery
Globes
Jewelry
Joe & Lisa's Art Collection
Lamps
Letters
Lighthouse Artifacts
Limited-Edition Prints
Lithographs
Maps & Charts
Marine Narrative
Marine Narrative at Sea
Medical
Microscopes
Miscellaneous Artifacts
Navigation Instruments - Compass
Navigation Instruments
Navigation Instruments - Sextant
Octants, Quadrants & Backstaffs
Original art
Other Models
Painted Photograph
Passenger Liner Memorabilia
Patent Models
Period Models
Photographs
Pond Models
Pottery
Prints
Prisoner-of-War Artifacts
Prisoner-of-War Models
Sailor Crafts
Sailor Valentines
Sailor Woolworks
Scrimshaw Artifacts
Scrimshaw Private
Scrimshaw Teeth
Sea Chests
Sextants
Ship Clocks
Ship Hardwares
Ship in a Bottle
Ship Log Books
Ships Flogging Whip
Signed Documents
Silver and Silver Plated Models
Speaking Trumpets
Statues
Steam Engine Models
Steam Models
Sundials
Sword
Tankards & Pitchers
Telescopes
Tillers, Rudders & Yokes
Toy Models
Trinity Boxes
Trophys & Presentions
Voyages & Travels
Watches
Whaling