Poplars, Afternoon in Eragny 1899

Camille Pissarro painted 'Poplars, Afternoon in Eragny' in France during the late 19th century, a period marked by significant social and economic change. The painting depicts rural life, with figures working in a field surrounded by trees. Pissarro's choice of subject matter reflects the growing interest in depicting the lives of ordinary people, a departure from the traditional focus on historical or mythological scenes. Made during the Third Republic, a time of political and social upheaval following the Franco-Prussian War, Pissarro's work can be seen as a commentary on the changing social landscape. The depiction of rural life and labor might be interpreted as a celebration of the working class. Pissarro himself was known for his anarchist beliefs, which may have influenced his choice to depict scenes of everyday life and labor. To fully understand this work, we can look at the social and political history of France during the late 19th century, as well as the artist's personal beliefs and artistic influences. This gives us a deeper insight into the artwork’s meaning and significance.