Sunset at Ivry 1873

Armand Guillaumin captured this industrial landscape near Paris with oil on canvas. The painting shows Ivry, a suburb marked by its factories, under a vibrant sunset. Guillaumin, an impressionist, was interested in capturing fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. But here, that interest takes a darker turn. The scene reflects the rise of industry in France and its impact on the environment. The thick smoke emanating from the factories pollutes the sky, turning the sunset into a blazing spectacle. Is it beautiful or ominous? To understand this work more fully, we can consult industrial records, environmental reports, and even literature of the period. These resources help us to reflect on how artists like Guillaumin grappled with the changing face of modern life, leaving behind a visual record of its social and environmental costs.