The artwork “Place de la Republique, Rouen (with Tramway)” is by impressionist artist Camille Pissarro, created in 1883. It is an oil on canvas piece measuring 46.2 x 55.6 cm and is categorized as a cityscape. This painting is currently held in a private collection and exemplifies the impressionism movement.
In Pissarro’s work, you can see the bustling Place de la Republique in Rouen, with a tramway prominently featured. The composition is alive with movement: horse-drawn carriages and trams mingle on the streets while people go about their activities. The brushwork is loose and expressive, typical of the Impressionist style, where quick strokes capture the fleeting effects of light and color instead of detailed realism.
A rich array of colors brings the scene to life, evoking the atmosphere of a vibrant city square. The play between light and shadow, a hallmark of Impressionist painting, shows the influence of natural light on the urban landscape. Pissarro masterfully balances the busy urban scene with a sense of everyday tranquility, inviting viewers to appreciate both the dynamics of city life and the ephemeral beauty of the moment.