The Woods at L'Hermitage, Pontoise

The Woods at L'Hermitage, Pontoise by Camille Pissarro, created in 1879, is a significant example of Impressionist printmaking and the artist’s dedicated exploration of the graphic arts. This particular piece, classified as a print, utilizes a complex combination of softground etching, aquatint, and drypoint applied to delicate china paper. Pissarro was deeply invested in exploring various print media during the 1870s and 1880s, often iterating on the same subject to achieve different atmospheric effects. The combination of techniques allowed the artist to manipulate line and tone simultaneously, resulting in a rich, deeply textured image characteristic of the experimental work being done by Impressionist painters transitioning into printmaking. This specific impression represents the highly refined sixth state described by print scholar Loys Delteil.

The subject matter focuses on the dense Landscapes and the intricate canopy of Trees near Pissarro’s home in Pontoise, France. The artist frequently depicted the rural environment surrounding the village, transforming ordinary views into intimate studies of light and texture. The complexity of the etching techniques allowed Pissarro to capture the density of the woods and the fleeting qualities of light filtered through the foliage, establishing depth through varied line weight and the tonal gradation achieved via the aquatint process. This exceptional impression of The Woods at L'Hermitage, Pontoise is held within the esteemed permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. High-quality prints of Pissarro’s graphic work are widely accessible today, with many editions falling into the public domain, allowing global accessibility for study and appreciation.