Before it disappears too far into the distance, let me just say how much I enjoyed Adam Gopnik’s recent take in The New Yorker on the relationship between Pissarro and Cézanne: How Camille Pissarro Went from Mediocrity to Magnificence. Not least, it gives me the chance to post this etching of the two of them which was made in the early 1980s by Gerard Bellaart, who has for many years seared into my brain his love of both painters.
Etching © by Gerard Bellaart (circa. early 1980s)
I just read Gopnik’s piece and I share your enthusiasm. Gopnik writes with so much intelligence, perceptiveness, and grace. I have written a play, titled “Visiting Cezanne,” which references Pissarro’s friendship and Manet’s hostility. Though I did a tremendous amount of research, mostly enjoyable, I never came across Gerard Bellaart or this touching sketch of Cezanne and Pissarro. Thank you for sharing.
Such a great moment…and no way to tell what Pissarro’s reaction is…hmmm…
does “no way to tell” make it mysterious? that’s how I read it. Is Pissarro caught in a moment of discreet judgment. Pissarro certainly looks the authority here.