Artwork

a) The Cabbage Field (Le Champ de choux); b) The Cabbage Field (Le Champ de choux)

a) The Cabbage Field (Le Champ de choux); b) The Cabbage Field (Le Champ de choux) is a graphite drawing by the Impressionist artist Camille Pissarro. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Cabbage Field (Le Champ de choux) is a dual-work drawing by Camille Pissarro, circa 1880, existing in two versions: one in graphite and another in softground, both on wove paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawings depict a serene landscape featuring a field suggested by wavy lines, interpreted as rows of cabbages, with bare, twisted trees and a distant building topped with a cross, conveying a sense of rural tranquility.

Technique & Style

Pissarro employed simple shapes and subtle shading to achieve depth, characteristic of Impressionist practices. The graphite version likely features more defined lines, while the softground version may exhibit softer, more textured marks, reflecting the medium's capabilities.

History & Provenance

Created around 1880, the works align with Pissarro's Impressionist period, marked by outdoor sketching and emphasis on light. Provenance details are not provided.

Context

These drawings reflect Impressionism's emphasis on capturing outdoor light and everyday scenes. Pissarro's approach, focusing on impression over detail, aligns with the movement's core principles.

Legacy

As part of Pissarro's oeuvre, The Cabbage Field contributes to the broader legacy of Impressionism, influencing subsequent artistic movements with its light-filled, expressive approach to landscape.