Two Young Peasant Women 1891 - 1892

Camille Pissarro created this painting, "Two Young Peasant Women," using oil paint and a pointillist technique. This method, characterized by applying small, distinct dots of color, departs from traditional painting techniques and reflects an interest in the science of optics. The materiality of the paint itself, carefully dabbed onto the canvas, creates a textured surface that is integral to the overall effect. The dots of color blend in the viewer's eye, creating a vibrant and luminous image. The subject matter, peasant women, also bears significance, it reflects Pissarro's interest in portraying rural life and the laboring class. In a time of industrialization and social change, Pissarro highlights the value of manual labor, and perhaps comments on the slow pace of change in the countryside. Looking closely, we can see the skill and labor involved in both agricultural work and the making of the painting itself. These materials and methods allow us to fully appreciate the artistic and social context of Pissarro's work.