Big Walnut Tree at Eragny 1892

Camille Pissarro's "Big Walnut Tree at Eragny" is an evocative painting rendered with oil on canvas, using techniques characteristic of the Impressionist movement. The painting's appearance is profoundly influenced by its materiality. Pissarro applied paint in short, separate strokes, giving the canvas a textured surface. This technique, known as divisionism, captures light and form in a way that’s quite distinct. The colours blend optically in the eye of the viewer, rather than on the palette, and the inherent qualities of oil paint – its viscosity and ability to hold colour – contribute to this vibrant effect. The process involved meticulous labour, demanding patience and keen observation. Pissarro’s choice to depict everyday life through this method also reflects a democratizing impulse. It is a world available to all who take the time to look. Understanding the artwork fully means appreciating this dedication to process, challenging any traditional art versus craft distinctions.