“Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.”

Camille Pissarro

The world knows Camille Pissarro as one of the greats of French Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist styles.  His contributions to the art world were immeasurable.  He believed that beauty was found in humble locales and insisted on painting individuals in natural settings without “artifice or grandeur.”  His peers recognized his compassion and genuine delight in creating a community where others could find a space to fulfill their creative vision. Art historian, John Rewald, called him the “dean of the Impressionist painters” because of his “wisdom and his balanced, kind and warm-hearted personality.”  Paul Cezanne said “he was a father for me.”  Pierre-Auguste Renoir titled him as a “revolutionary” because of his portrayals of common folk.

Camille Pissarro saw beauty where others saw ordinary.  Those around him acknowledged his greatness beyond his artistic endeavours. They saw a humble man who kindled their imagination and encouraged them to seek their personal destinies.  He did not hold them back but gave them the freedom to explore.