The artwork “Portrait of Paulemile” is a quintessential creation by artist Camille Pissarro, dated circa 1899. Crafted using the medium of oil on canvas, this piece measures 65 by 54 centimeters and falls under the genre of portraiture. As a notable work within the Impressionist movement, the painting is currently housed in a private collection.
“Portrait of Paulemile” depicts a young individual seated, presumably Paulemile, engaged in studying a book. The subject’s attention is directed towards the content of the book, indicating a moment of thought or learning. Pissarro’s application of paint is true to the Impressionist style, with visible brushstrokes that add dynamism and a sense of immediacy to the portrait. The color palette employed is relatively subdued yet rich, with pockets of more vibrant color, such as the red at the subject’s neck, contributing to the overall impression of liveliness and depth. The background suggests a domestic interior, possibly a study, as indicated by shelves lined with books. Pissarro’s skillful rendering of the subject in a natural setting, combined with a sensitive portrayal of the figure’s expression, endows the portrait with an air of intimacy and psychological depth.