“A Street in Rouen,” crafted by Maurice Prendergast in 1894, is a distinguished watercolor painting on paper that belongs to the Impressionism art movement. Measuring 33.02 x 21.59 cm, this genre painting currently resides within a private collection.
The artwork depicts a poignant street scene in Rouen, executed with fluid and vibrant watercolor techniques that convey the Impressionist focus on capturing light and movement. Central to the composition is a large red umbrella under which figures are congregated, suggesting a market or gathering place. The figures are rendered with loose, gestural brushstrokes, emphasizing the play of colors and the atmosphere over detailed representation. The backdrop consists of architectural elements, potentially indicating the steps and exterior of a building, rendered in subdued tones that contrast with the vibrancy of the umbrella and the clustered forms beneath it. Maurice Prendergast’s handling of the medium and subject matter encapsulates the essence of urban life in a fleeting moment of time, characteristic of the Impressionist sensibility.
