The artwork entitled “Peasant Girl Drinking her Coffee” is an oil on canvas painting by the artist Camille Pissarro, completed in 1881. This piece is an exemplar of the Neo-Impressionism art movement and it portrays a genre scene of a portrait. Measuring 65.3 x 54.8 cm, the artwork presently resides within the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, situated in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
The artwork depicts a peasant girl engaged in a simple, everyday act of drinking coffee. Her figure occupies a contemplative position, seated by a window. The brushwork is characteristic of Pissarro’s style and the Neo-Impressionist approach, which is known for its loose yet discernable strokes, aimed at capturing the effect of light and color. The palette appears relatively muted, focusing on earthy tones that evoke a sense of realism and intimacy.
The girl’s attire is simple and unadorned, suggesting a humble station in life, consonant with the titular designation of her as a peasant. The naturalistic representation underscores the dignity of the subject through her serene demeanor and the direct, unidealized depiction of her form and surroundings. The domestic interior scene, coupled with Pissarro’s sensitive treatment of the subject, imbues the painting with a quiet, reflective quality, inviting viewers to ponder the inner thoughts of the young woman as she pauses in her daily routine.