“The Carrousel, Autumn, Morning” is a painting by Camille Pissarro, completed in 1899. This work of art is rendered in oil on canvas and epitomizes the Impressionist movement to which Pissarro contributed significantly. The artwork measures 73 by 92 centimeters and is classified as a cityscape genre. It is currently part of a private collection.
The artwork features an urban scene that captures the essence of autumn with a soft, diffused light contributing to the misty atmosphere typical of the Impressionist style. In the foreground, a glimpse of Parisian architecture is evident, their edges softened, melding with the air. Beyond the buildings, the open space of the Carrousel stretches out, punctuated by the skeletal forms of trees with foliage thinned by the season. The subtle interplay of light and shadow across the various surfaces suggests the time of day—morning—while also conveying the crispness of autumn air. People are portrayed with quick, almost indistinct brushstrokes, blending into the scene rather than dominating it, indicative of Pissarro’s ability to capture the rhythm of daily life without resorting to fine detail. The sky overhead bears the hallmark of Impressionism, with colors and tones suggesting a sky infused with sunlight that is both bright yet overcast, a canvas for the changing weather. Overall, the artwork embodies the transient effects of light and atmosphere that are the hallmarks of the Impressionist movement.
