“September Fete, Pontoise” is an oil on canvas painting created by the Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro in 1872. The artwork, which is a genre painting representing a scene from everyday life, measures 46 by 55 cm. Pissarro’s work is known for its participation in the Impressionist movement, and this piece offers a glimpse into such stylistic elements. It is currently held in a private collection.
The image depicts a vibrant outdoor scene, capturing the bustle and atmosphere of a public celebration or festival. Market stalls with red-draped covers line the foreground, adorned with bright balloons and goods that add a pop of color to the composition. Visitors to the fete roam between these stalls, and their attire reflects the fashion of the times, with dresses, hats, and suits typical of the 1870s. Pissarro uses quick, loose brushstrokes and a light-infused palette characteristic of Impressionism, conveying the lively movement and light of the day. Buildings, including a church with a notable bell tower, rise in the background, anchoring the scene within the town of Pontoise. The painting is dominated by shades of blue, white, and red, with the sky taking up a significant portion of the canvas and reflecting the transient conditions of the weather. The image encapsulates a typical Impressionist snapshot of life, capturing a fleeting moment enriched with movement and a secular celebration.
