The artwork titled “Peasant Girl with a Straw Hat” is a notable creation by the esteemed artist Camille Pissarro, dated to the year 1881. This oil on canvas embodies the quintessential characteristics of the Impressionist movement, with a portrayal that captures the essence of the subject in natural light. The dimensions of the piece are substantial, at approximately 28 7/8 x 23 1/2 inches (73.4 x 59.6 cm), and it is categorized under the genre of portraiture. Presently, the artwork is housed within the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art, located in Washington, D.C.
The artwork depicts a young girl adorned in a peasant’s attire, her visage framed by a straw hat with a delicate red ribbon that offers a contrast to the prevailing tones. She is seated amidst a verdant backdrop, suggestive of a rural setting. Captured in a moment of repose or contemplation, her gaze is directed away from the viewer, affording a sense of introspection and tranquility.
The artist’s use of light and color is indicative of the Impressionist style, characterized by loose brushwork and a vivid palette that conveys the transient effects of sunlight filtering through the leaves. There is a palpable warmth in the composition, with the sunlight subtly illuminating her skin and costume. The painterly quality of the work is emphasized by the visible strokes, which impart texture and movement, encapsulating the very ethos of Impressionist art—the portrayal of a moment captured with immediacy and sensory impression rather than precise detail. Pissarro’s delicate handling of the subject elevates the young peasant girl to a subject worthy of fine art, while also preserving her humble stature reflective of her social status.
