“Brickworks at Eragny” is a painting by Camille Pissarro dated to 1888. Executed in oil on canvas, this work is a fine example of Pointillism and Neo-Impressionism, two influential movements in late 19th-century art. The painting belongs to the landscape genre and is currently housed in a private collection.
The artwork depicts a serene rural scene. In the foreground, there is a well or water pump, and patches of grass and plants are rendered with small, distinct dots of color, reflective of the Pointillist technique. This approach creates a vibrant, shimmering effect as the individual colors mix optically when viewed from a distance. The middle ground shows two figures, possibly workers, walking towards a brickworks structure characterized by angular forms and a sloping roof that suggests its industrial function. A large pile of bricks or raw materials is slightly visible next to the figures. Tall poplar trees line the background, leading the eye to the soft, luminous sky which suggests either early morning or late afternoon light, casting gentle shadows on the ground. The painting captures a moment of everyday life, blending human activity with the tranquility of the countryside.
