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Over the course of four excursions to Rouen, Pissarro created nearly 50 original
paintings and numerous intaglio and lithographic prints. He experimented in both
subject matter and medium, completing prints with a seamless integration of
etching, drypoint and aquatint to convey nuances of light and movement. Though
Pissarro had worked
en plein air
during his 1883 trip, by his later visits a recurrent
eye infection had confined him to work from indoors. This restriction invigorated
Pissarro's work by providing a panoramic perspective on the ports and bridges
he so favored. He was able to work from his hotel rooms, which provided a
progressive birds-eye view of urban Rouen.
Pissarro's output was so prolific during his visits to Rouen that despite
composing only a fraction of his career, his time there resulted in one of the
greatest series he ever realized. As such, the prints Pissarro completed of Rouen
comprise a significant part of the current collection, each example providing a
glimpse into the artist's unique perspective on modernity. The variety of imagery,
from quiet street scenes to busy industrial ports, highlights Pissarro's versatility
and commitment to innovation over the two decade-long span of his visits.