The artwork “Apple Trees at Pontoise” is a creation of the esteemed artist Camille Pissarro, executed circa 1872. Pissarro’s choice of medium for this piece was pastel on paper, a method that complements his impressionistic style. As a genre painting, it reflects daily life, capturing a serene natural landscape. The movement of Impressionism, to which Pissarro significantly contributed, is well represented in this artwork. Currently, “Apple Trees at Pontoise” is part of a private collection, indicating that it is not on public display.
In the artwork, two robust apple trees dominate the scene, their foliage rendered in a multitude of green hues that convey depth and texture. A subtle, yet discernible fence recedes into the background, hinting at the division between cultivated land and the open field beyond. The trees are presented against a hinterland, painted in lighter tones, which suggest a blend of sky and distant vegetation, creating an impression of a breezy, atmospheric space. The ground is depicted with broad strokes of vibrant green, evoking the lushness of the grass. Pissarro’s light touch with the pastel allows the paper’s texture to contribute to the overall effect of freshness and vivacity that characterizes this impressionistic piece.
