Study of Apple Trees at Eragny 1893

Camille Pissarro made this pastel drawing of apple trees in Eragny, France. Pissarro, deeply involved in anarchist politics, moved to this rural community northwest of Paris in 1884. In this context, the image of a carefully cultivated orchard raises questions. Apple trees, symbols of nature tamed and ordered, invite us to consider the relationship between humans and the environment. In the late 19th century, rural France was undergoing significant social and economic changes, with the rise of industrialization and the decline of traditional agriculture. Pissarro's choice to depict this scene can be seen as a commentary on these transformations. The presence of tree guards shows the active maintenance of the orchard. To better understand this work, it is crucial to consider the socio-political dynamics of the time. Researching the history of agriculture and land use in 19th-century France would reveal the social conditions that shaped Pissarro’s artistic vision.