The artwork “Picking Apples” by Camille Pissarro dates from circa 1888 and is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement. It is a genre painting, capturing a moment from everyday life, and measures 46 x 59 cm. Currently, the artwork is held in a private collection.
“Picking Apples” depicts an idyllic rural scene where several figures are engaged in the task of harvesting apples. The composition is rendered with loose brushwork characteristic of Impressionism, which allows for the interplay of light and color to take precedence over precise detail. The foreground features individuals participating in the picking process; one uses a pole to reach higher branches, while another appears to be collecting apples in a bucket or basket. A woman stands to the right, observing the scene or waiting her turn to assist. The lush greenery of the apple tree dominates the upper half of the canvas, while in the background, a pastoral landscape with additional trees stretches towards the horizon. The use of color and light imbues the scene with an atmosphere of vibrancy and transient beauty, qualities much appreciated in Impressionist works.
