Cows in the Fields of Éragny, near Gisors

"Cows in the Fields of Éragny, near Gisors," created by Camille Pissarro in 1888, is a delicate example of the artist's dedication to printmaking during his mature period. This work, executed as a drypoint on laid paper, is cataloged specifically as the first state of two, offering unique insight into Pissarro’s evolving creative process as he manipulated the plate. Pissarro lived in the rural village of Éragny, near Gisors, from 1884 until his death, and the surrounding countryside became the predominant subject of his output during this time, replacing the bustling urban scenes characteristic of his earlier Impressionist phase.

The composition captures a tranquil, productive rural setting defined by familiar agricultural elements. Pissarro utilized the sharp, burr-creating nature of the drypoint technique to render the subtle textures of the Trees lining the fields and the scattered group of Cows grazing patiently in the foreground. This medium allowed the artist to blend the immediate observational quality of Impressionism with the precise linear detail afforded by the etching process. Pissarro excelled at capturing the quiet rhythm of agricultural life, elevating mundane rural labor into high art. The creation of such detailed prints reflects the artist's desire to make his work more accessible, aligning with his communal and often anti-establishment ideals. This significant print is part of the distinguished collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. As a widely reproduced Impressionist work, prints of this piece are frequently found within the public domain.