CAMILLE PISSARRO - A Cowherd at Valhermeil, Auvers-sur-Oise

THE ARTWORK

"A Cowherd at Valhermeil, Auvers-sur-Oise" is a painting by Camille Pissarro, created in 1874. This work exemplifies Pissarro's deep commitment to capturing rural life and the natural landscape. Painted during the early years of the Impressionist movement, the scene depicts a peaceful moment in the countryside, where a cowherd guides cattle through a path in Valhermeil, a hamlet near Auvers-sur-Oise, France.

Pissarro’s use of soft, muted colors and loose brushwork conveys the tranquility of the rural environment. The composition is balanced, with the cowherd and cattle drawing the viewer’s eye along a gentle curve in the landscape. The light filtering through the trees adds a sense of depth and atmosphere, characteristic of Pissarro's style.

This painting reflects Pissarro’s belief in the importance of representing the simple, often overlooked aspects of everyday rural life, making it a significant piece in his body of work.

THE ARTIST

Camille Pissarro (1830–1903) was a pivotal figure in the development of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Born on the island of St. Thomas in the Danish West Indies, Pissarro moved to Paris in 1855, where he became deeply involved in the avant-garde art scene.

Pissarro was a mentor to many younger artists, including Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Paul Gauguin. His work is characterized by a commitment to capturing rural life and the natural landscape with a focus on light and atmosphere. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Pissarro often portrayed humble, everyday scenes rather than grandiose or romanticized subjects. His approach to painting was grounded in a deep respect for nature and the rural working class.

Throughout his career, Pissarro experimented with various techniques and styles. He was a central figure in the Impressionist movement, participating in all eight Impressionist exhibitions between 1874 and 1886. Later in his life, he also explored Pointillism alongside Georges Seurat and Paul Signac.

Despite suffering from eye problems and enduring hardships during the Franco-Prussian War, Pissarro remained dedicated to his craft. His legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and a profound influence on the direction of modern art.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit