Unsung impressionist Camille Pissarro gets his due at the DAM
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Camille Pissarro's 1876 oil painting, "The Garden of Les Mathurins, property of the Deraismes Sisters, Pontoise." Image courtesy akg-images/De Agostini Picture Lib./J. E. Bulloz
The works of Camille Pissarro — the often-overlooked "father of Impressionism" — go on display Sunday at the Denver Art Museum.
Why it matters: "The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro's Impressionism" marks the first major U.S. retrospective of the 19th-century painter's work in more than four decades.
The big picture: The Danish-French artist inspired legends like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the New York Times writes. Despite his mentorship, seniority and trailblazing status, they eclipsed him in fame.
- This new exhibition at the DAM makes the case that Pissarro's talents and accomplishments should no longer rest in their shadows.
By the numbers: More than 100 Pissarro paintings spanning landscapes, cityscapes and still lifes will be viewable to the public.
- They're sourced from nearly 50 international museums and private collections, plus six pieces from the DAM's own holdings.
The intrigue: Pissarro made the working class his muse. He found beauty in ordinary activities, from women washing clothes to peasants harvesting hay.
What they're saying: "Through this exhibition, we hope visitors will explore Pissarro's ability to capture everyday life in a way that elevates the mundane, while understanding the pivotal role he played in shaping the Impressionist movement," Denver Art Museum director Christoph Heinrich said in a statement.
If you go: Tickets start at $27 for adult Colorado residents.
- The show runs through Feb. 8, 2026.