Near Sydenham Hill is a painting by the renowned impressionist Camille Pissarro. One of his lesser known creations, the work of art intrigued my interest with its vibrant landscape display, unique style, and skilled use of colors. Of the many paintings, sculptures, and canvases I viewed on my trip to the Kimball Art Museum of Fort Worth, this one caught my eye immediately while I was quickly passing by. The impressive blend of oil on canvas is likely to do the same to any passerby. Pissarro used the right techniques and style to make a masterpiece that will be long-lived for the ages. But before we get into his career as an artist, it is necessary to figure out just what kind of a man he was.
Jacob-Abraham-Camille Pissarro was born in St. Thomas of the Danish West Indies. He was the third son of Abraham Gabriel Pissarro and Rachel Manzano-Pomié.
Camille Pissarro, Children on a Farm, 1887
Photograph of Camille Pissarro
Camille PissarroPissarroÃÂs determined parents were aware of his gift and sent him to an art boarding school in Passy France. The institution was known as the Académie Suisse and located close to Paris, making it an ideal portal into the art world. The notice of his skill was not just limited to his parents. Being close by to one of the major art capitols of the world allowed him almost unlimited resources and chances. He quickly became somewhat of a prodigy artist that many were discovering as quoted according to the Britannica Online Encyclopedia, ÃÂthe young Pissarro showed an early talent for drawing, and he began to visit the collections of the Louvreà(2). The young and aspiring artist spent five successful years at the school in Passy and returned home to his family. Urged to aid the family business by his father, Pissarro was reluctant and spent more time...