Rue de L'Epicerie in Rouen 1886 - 1907

Camille Pissarro made this etching of the Rue de l'Épicerie in Rouen. Though undated, it's likely from the 1880s or 90s, a time when printmaking was undergoing a revival. This street scene demonstrates Pissarro's dedication to portraying everyday life. He, along with other impressionists, turned away from academic painting which focused on historical or mythological scenes. Pissarro was known for his political leanings, being greatly influenced by anarchist thinkers. The choice to depict a common street in Rouen, rather than a grand Parisian boulevard, reflects this political sensibility. The etching technique, with its emphasis on line and tone, captures the textures of the buildings and the bustling activity of the street. We can see the gothic cathedral as it towers above the road. To fully understand Pissarro's work, we can consider the influence of social realism on impressionism, and the revival of printmaking as a democratic art form. It’s through this work that we understand art as a mirror reflecting the dynamic interplay between society, culture, and individual expression.