A Life in Letters

Camille Pissarro left a vast treasure trove of correspondence. His letters were mostly written to his children, but were also addressed to his wife, Julie, his friends and family, dealers, and doctors. They create an intimate portrait of the artist—revealing his worries, complaints, hopes, and advice. Without them, we would understand less of the motivations and history of the Impressionists. Although his letters were never intended to be read by the public, they allow us a personal, and often unexpected, glimpse into the life of Pissarro the man as well as the artist.

September 10, 1885

My dear Monsieur Durand-Ruel,

We have hardly any money left. We are still in late payment of certain invoices…I have given nothing for the house; so that’s 800 francs in all, not to mention that for my own part, I have nothing for my personal expenses, such as a trip to Gisors to finish my canvases, which I had to suspend…you can see that little by little, the deficit is growing…. Please, I beg you to excuse me for the trouble I am causing you; but alas!, without money everything stops.

Your devoted,
C. Pissarro

Paris, December 6, 1891

My dear children,

…Now this is my advice to Georges, I have tried what I recommend, it is worth following: when you feel the impulse to make something, do it no matter the cost…you can be sure of reward. So rare a thing is it to have a desire that it is one’s duty to act on it, and at once, for desire evaporates if one delays. Forward, go to it! Be advised, act! That is the most practical course one can take.

Your affectionate father,
C. Pissarro

April 8, 1895

My dear Lucien,

….Impressionist art is still too misunderstood…I remember that, even though I was full of enthusiasm, I did not have the slightest idea…of the profound aspect of the movement which we pursued instinctively. It was in the air!

Your affectionate father,
C. Pissarro

Paris, December 4, 1895

My dear Lucien,

…I have just about finished my large figure paintings. Finished? That is to say I am letting them lie around in the studio until I find, at some moment, the final sensation that will give life to the whole…

Your affectionate father,
C. Pissarro

Paris, June 18, 1898

My dear Lucien,

I am sending two paintings to America, to the exhibition in Pittsburgh, I was invited by the director, a charming man. He also invited me to be a member of this year’s jury, with traveling expenses paid both ways, and for the best hotels…I would stay fifteen days. Naturally I declined, out of principle.

Your affectionate father,
C. Pissarro