Wooded Landscape at L’Hermitage, Pontoise 1879

Camille Pissarro created this etching titled ‘Wooded Landscape at L’Hermitage, Pontoise’ during a time of significant social and artistic change in France. The image depicts a scene of rural France, a figure walking through a wooded area with houses visible in the background. Pissarro was deeply interested in the lives of ordinary people. He often depicted rural landscapes and working-class subjects, reflecting his socialist leanings. The late 19th century was a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to a growing interest in rural life and the “peasant” as a symbol of traditional values. The art institutions of the time, like the Salon, often favored more academic and idealized depictions of nature. Pissarro and his Impressionist colleagues challenged these norms by portraying the world around them with honesty and a focus on light and atmosphere. To fully understand Pissarro's artistic vision, one can delve into historical archives, letters, and critical reviews. Examining the social and political context of his time sheds light on his radical approach to art.