“My painting doesn’t catch on at all.” Imagine those words echoing in the mind of Camille Pissarro. Today we stand before the Camille Pissarro Blue plaque. It marks a place where a great artist sought refuge and inspiration.
Camille Pissarro was a refugee from the Franco-Prussian War. He arrived in South London in 1870. Pissarro hoped for a change of scenery and attitude toward his art. He lived in Norwood near his mother and brother. They were already part of a sizable Jewish community there.
Pissarro found Norwood a charming suburb at that time. He studied the effects of fog snow and springtime. He admired English landscape painters like Gainsborough Constable and Turner. Pissarro and Monet even submitted studies to the Royal Academy. They were rejected.
During his time in Upper Norwood Pissarro met art dealer Paul Durand-Ruel. Durand-Ruel bought two of his London oil paintings. He became a major dealer of French Impressionism. Pissarro’s London paintings captured Sydenham and Norwood. These areas were recently connected by railways. They existed before the expansion of suburbia.
One notable painting is of St Bartholomew’s Church. It is known as The Avenue Sydenham. You can find it in London’s National Gallery. Twelve oil paintings date from his time in Upper Norwood. They include views of Crystal Palace Dulwich College and All Saints Church.
Pissarro married Julie Vellay at Croydon Register Office in 1871. They had been living together for years. Julie was a maid in his mother’s household. They went on to have eight children together.
Pissarro’s connection to Penge is living off Anerley Hill. His paintings depict the surrounding countryside. Much was still rural then. His painting of Fox Hill shows this. Fox Hill marks an ancient boundary of Penge.
Pissarro returned to South London in 1892. He settled in the same area again. His vibrant depictions show his affinity for the area.
Pissarro encouraged young artists to find their own style. He painted natural scenes in the open air en plein air. He often finished paintings at the first attempt. He found traditional art instruction stifling.
A journalist Louis Leroy coined the term “Impressionist.” It was meant as an insult. Over time it became a term of praise. It acknowledged the groundbreaking technique. This technique allowed people to see things differently.
Pissarro’s spirit lives on in Penge artists today. They present their work in exhibitions. Much of their work is done en plein air. You can see it on websites.
Though not always popular in his time Pissarro’s work is now valued at millions. His legacy remains. It is a testament to his vision and dedication. He painted London’s suburbs. He found beauty in humble places. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the lasting impact of Camille Pissarro. A true master of Impressionism.