The artwork “The Pont Neuf, Statue of Henri IV, Mist” was painted by Camille Pissarro in 1901. This oil on canvas masterpiece measures 60 by 81 centimeters and belongs to the Impressionist movement, categorized specifically as a cityscape. As of the last recorded information, the painting is housed in a private collection.
In the artwork, Pissarro captures the essence of the Pont Neuf and the statue of Henri IV shrouded in the atmospheric quality of mist. This Parisian scene is rendered with a delicate interplay of light and color that is characteristic of Impressionist painting. Soft, muted brushstrokes fill the canvas, suggesting the diffusion of light through the haze. The painting features skeletal trees devoid of leaves, which would imply a scene set in the colder months. These trees frame the central subject of the composition, the statue of Henri IV, which is set upon a pedestal and is discernible despite the fog.
The palette is restrained, consisting mostly of browns, grays, and subtle touches of blue, which convey the damp chill of a misty, overcast day. The river Seine appears in the background, along with the faint outlines of buildings and a boat, hinting at the bustling city life beyond the immediate tranquility of the scene. The figures of people going about their day can be seen walking in the open space, adding a human element that Pissarro often included to animate his cityscapes and street scenes. Overall, the artwork evokes a sense of calm and everyday life despite the enveloping mist, a testament to Pissarro’s ability to capture the mood and atmosphere of his chosen subjects.
