“Foggy Morning, Rouen,” created in 1896, is an oil on canvas artwork by Camille Pissarro. It is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, measuring 54 x 73 centimeters and classified within the cityscape genre. Currently, this painting is held at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow, UK.
The artwork presents a view of the bustling city of Rouen during a foggy morning. The atmospheric conditions are captured through Pissarro’s masterful use of muted, blended colors, which effectively convey the impression of moisture-laden air and softened light. Through a haze, the city’s architecture and industrial structures are visible in the background, providing a sense of place and time.
In the foreground, the river is punctuated by the strong verticals of the ship’s smokestacks, while puffs of smoke rise into the overcast sky, an indication of the active commerce and river traffic of the period. The hustle of daily life is glimpsed through figures scattered along the riverbank, horse-drawn carriages, and docked boats, all rendered with loose, expressive brushwork that imbues the scene with vitality and movement. This scene is a classic portrayal of industrial activity harmonizing with everyday life through the Impressionist lens, capturing an ephemeral moment in time with enduring appeal.
