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Figures at the Banks of the Marne, near Chennevières
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Figures at the Banks of the Marne, near Chennevières c 1863 - 1864
From 1863 to 1865 Pissarro rented properties at La Varenne-Saint-Maur which is situated to the south-east of Paris on the River Marne, opposite Chennevieres. At this point the river flows in a great loop beyond the Bois de Vincennes before it joins the River Seine. This highly finished study is loosely related to the right foreground area of the Scottish National Gallery?s `The Marne at Chennevieres?, which Pissarro exhibited at the 1865 Paris Salon. Given the high degree of finish of this drawing, and the Corot-like figure group in mid-distance, is likely that this was actually a fully independent composition rather than a preparatory study for the painting.

Glossary Open

Composition

The arrangement of different elements in a work of art.

Paris Salon

The Paris Salon was the official exhibiting space of the French Academy. Established in 1673 it moved to the Salon d'Apollon at the Louvre in 1725, when it became known as the `Salon de Paris?. In 1737 the annual exhibitions were made public and artists were invited to submit their work before a jury. Exhibiting at the Salon and receiving official recognition were vital for an artist's career. In the late 19th century artists became disillusioned with the jury system and its influence declined as a number of independent exhibiting societies were established. The government withdraw its official support in 1881.

Composition, Paris Salon

Details

  • Acc. No. D 5621
  • Medium Charcoal heightened with white chalk on grey paper
  • Size 31.00 x 49.00 cm (framed: 59.00 x 43.80 x 2.10 cm)
  • Credit Purchased 2008

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