The Market

The Market by Camille Pissarro (French, 1830-1903) is a compelling example of the artist's dedication to printmaking during his later career. Created sometime between 1890 and 1900, the work utilizes the highly selective monotype process on cream paper, a technique that allows for only a single, unique impression. The monotype process involves drawing or painting directly onto a non-absorbent plate, which is then pressed onto the paper, resulting in a textural spontaneity often associated with preparatory sketches or drawings rather than traditional editioned prints.

As a pivotal figure transitioning from core Impressionism, Pissarro increasingly documented scenes of modern urban life in France, capturing the dynamic energy of public gathering spaces. This late period, 1890-1900, saw the artist frequently shift his focus from purely agricultural landscapes to the organized chaos of commerce and daily vendor activity. The crowded composition of The Market centers on the focused movement and interactions of workers and shoppers, conveying the immediacy of the marketplace routine.

While classified as a print, this piece demonstrates Pissarro’s continued technical experimentation late in his life. The work, rich in tonal variation characteristic of this medium, offers a powerful glimpse into the artist's commitment to portraying the realities of contemporary French society. This rare monotype is held in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago, and examples of such historically significant prints are occasionally made available through public domain collections for educational purposes.