The artwork “Haymakers at Eragny” was created by the artist Camille Pissarro in 1889. This oil on canvas painting is a product of the Impressionist movement, known for its vivid use of color and light to capture moments in time. The painting measures 73 by 60 centimeters and is a genre painting, which depicts scenes of everyday life. As of the last update to my knowledge, the painting is held in a private collection.
In the painting, Pissarro illustrates a rural scene of haymakers working in the fields of Eragny. The central figure, standing in the foreground, is a woman in a blue dress with a red shawl or covering over her head. She holds a rake and is gathering hay. This individual is rendered with broad strokes of vibrant, dappled color that give an impression of movement and light. Surrounding her are several other figures, likely fellow workers, who are also engaged in haying activities. They are positioned at various distances, creating a sense of depth and the expansiveness of the field. Large haystacks dot the landscape, marking the fruits of the workers’ labor. The background depicts a serene countryside with gentle hills under a soft sky that suggests late afternoon or early evening light. The brushwork is loose and the colors blend into each other, creating a dynamic and atmospheric quality typical of Impressionist works.
