The artwork titled “Morning, Overcast Day, Rouen” was crafted by Camille Pissarro in 1896. This oil on canvas depicts a cityscape, embodying the Impressionist art movement to which Pissarro was a key contributor. It measures 54.3 by 65.1 cm and is currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork portrays a bustling river scene, set in the city of Rouen. Onlookers can observe a bridge arching gracefully over the water, connecting two populated sections of the city. The river below is alive with maritime activity, including boats moored at the quayside and a steamboat, emitting a plume of smoke, plies the waters. Several figures can be seen on the bridge, busying themselves with the day’s activities, while the city itself is a medley of buildings depicted with loose brushstrokes that are characteristic of the Impressionist style. The muted, overcast sky is rendered with subtle variations in hue, conveying the cool ambience of the gray day. In the distance, a single tall smokestack punctuates the skyline, releasing a dark column of smoke into the air, offering a contrast to the sprawling low-rise architecture of Rouen and symbolizing the industrial era. Overall, the artwork captures a snapshot of urban life in the late 19th century with a masterful blend of atmosphere and everyday life.
