The artwork titled “Peasant Woman” is a creation of the artist Camille Pissarro, dated approximately between 1890 and 1891. It is crafted using the medium of pastel on paper and aligns with the Impressionist movement, categorizing it as a portrait. Currently, this piece resides within a private collection, indicative of its exclusivity and value to individual collectors.
Depicting the simplicity and honesty of rural life, the artwork renders the figure of a peasant woman with an air of dignity and grace. The subject is presented in profile, with a focus on form and color that is characteristic of Impressionist technique. She is shown standing upright, holding a staff, which may suggest her involvement in agricultural work. Her attire is modest and utilitarian; she wears a long skirt paired with a blouse, both rendered with soft yet expressive pastel strokes that indicate the movement’s predilection for capturing the effects of light and atmosphere.
The colors employed are somewhat muted yet harmonious, with subtle interplays of light and shadow contributing to a sense of dimensionality. This piece exemplifies Pissarro’s interest in depicting laborers and his ability to convey the humanity of his subjects through his art. As with many Impressionist works, the emphasis on immediacy and the transient nature of light is perceptible, even in the relatively quick, sketch-like quality of the piece.
In summary, the “Peasant Woman” stands as a testament to Camille Pissarro’s commitment to Impressionism and his empathy for the working class, captured within the delicate yet poignant strokes of pastel on paper.
