The Avenue, Sydenham 1871

Camille Pissarro painted "The Avenue, Sydenham" using oil on canvas in 1871. Oil paint, of course, is a traditional medium, but one that became increasingly available and affordable in the 19th century. Ground pigments are suspended in linseed oil, which is extracted from the flax plant. The texture and colour of the painting are defined by the materials he used. Notice the way Pissarro uses short, broken brushstrokes to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. He evokes the textures of the urban landscape. The rough surface of the road, the foliage of the trees, and the architectural details of the buildings. This wasn't just about depicting a scene; it was about the very act of seeing and recording the world around him. Pissarro's choice of subject matter is also significant. He often depicted scenes of everyday life, including the burgeoning suburbs of London. In this, we see the influence of industrialisation and urbanisation on society. Pissarro elevates these ordinary subjects to the realm of art. So, the next time you look at a painting, consider not just what is depicted. Think about the materials and processes that brought it into being. The artist's choice of materials, and how it reflects the social and cultural context in which they were working.