The artwork titled “St. Stephen’s Church, Lower Norwood” was created by artist Camille Pissarro in the year 1870. It is an oil on canvas painting measuring 43 by 53 centimeters. Pissarro, a notable figure within the Impressionist movement, crafted this cityscape, which is currently housed in a private collection.
This artwork portrays the tranquil scenery surrounding St. Stephen’s Church, located in Lower Norwood. The church spire dominates the composition, rising elegantly into the sky, partially framed by the lush leaves and branches of surrounding trees. Below, the landscape is characterized by the soft, dappled light that filters through the foliage, casting gentle shadows onto the winding path, which is also the focus of human activity. We can observe figures strolling down the path, and a horse-drawn vehicle adds to the scene’s vivid period depiction. The brushwork is loose and expressive, suggesting the textures and the play of light without meticulous detail, which is characteristic of Impressionist artwork. Pissarro’s palette is a mix of earthen tones juxtaposed with the verdant greens of nature and the soft blues of the sky, creating a harmonious and calming depiction of this church and its natural surroundings.
