“The Pont Corneille, Rouen, Morning Mist” is an exquisite artwork by Camille Pissarro, created in 1896. As a masterful example of the Impressionist style, the oil on canvas measures 72 x 93 cm and falls under the cityscape genre. Currently held in a private collection, the painting reflects the artist’s fascination with the effects of light and atmosphere on the urban landscape.
The artwork captures the essence of a misty morning in Rouen, with the Pont Corneille arcing over the calm waters. The softness of the morning mist blurs the lines of the bridge and buildings, evoking a sense of tranquility and ephemeral beauty. Pissarro’s deft brushstrokes and use of light convey the moisture in the air, as well as the reflective quality of the water below. The foreground features moored boats, their dark shapes and the smoke billowing from the stacks providing contrast to the diffuse light enveloping the scene. Despite the movement suggested by the smoke and the river’s subtle ripples, there is an overarching stillness that resonates from the canvas, inviting viewers to experience a moment of serene reflection captured by Pissarro’s impressionistic touch.
