The Raised Terrace of the Pont Neuf 1902

Camille Pissarro made this painting, *The Raised Terrace of the Pont Neuf*, in 1902 using oil paint on canvas. Looking closely, we can see how the artist has built up the image with small strokes of paint, using an Impressionist technique to evoke the feeling of a vibrant, bustling city. The surface of the water is alive with individual marks, capturing the reflections and movement of light. Notice how the city buildings in the background, and the bare trees in the foreground, are also constructed with this mosaic-like application of pigment. Pissarro was interested in depicting the everyday life and labor of the working class, reflecting his socialist political views. While this painting primarily captures a slice of Parisian life, the very act of painting en plein air - or outdoors - required physical labor and a deep engagement with the environment. So, as you stand here, consider how Pissarro’s choice of materials and techniques enabled him to capture not just a visual scene, but also a sense of the city's energy, and his own engagement with the world around him.