Low Tide at Duquesne Docks, Dieppe

Camille Pissarro's Low Tide at Duquesne Docks, Dieppe (1902) portrays an industrialized waterfront scene in the bustling port town of Dieppe. The painting captures the juxtaposition of natural and manmade elements, with smokestacks and factories lining the horizon, emitting plumes of smoke that blend into a textured, cloud-filled sky. The foreground reveals the exposed dock and muddy shoreline during low tide, populated by small figures that emphasize the scale of the setting and the daily labor of the working class. Pissarro’s characteristic loose, layered brushstrokes bring the scene to life, blending light and muted tones to create a hazy yet vibrant atmosphere. This work exemplifies Pissarro’s later interest in urban and industrial landscapes, reflecting the changing dynamics of French society at the turn of the century.