The artwork titled “Portrait of Jeanne Rachel (Minette)” was crafted by the renowned artist Camille Pissarro in the year 1872. Utilizing pastel on paper as his medium, Pissarro’s creation is an exemplar of the Impressionist movement, specifically within the portrait genre. Currently, this piece is held in a private collection.
The artwork captures a young subject, presumably Jeanne Rachel, known as Minette, who is portrayed wearing a red hood. The pastels create a vivid contrast between the warm red tones of the hood and the cooler, softer background, with white and blue hues that complement the subject’s complexion. Pissarro’s technique features loose and expressive strokes, reflecting the Impressionist tendency to prioritize the representation of light and color over detailed linework. There is a certain immediacy and intimacy in the depiction, as the child’s gaze seems to subtly engage with the viewer. The signature of the artist can be observed in the lower right corner, adding to the authenticity of this portrait.
