The Denver Art Museum (DAM) has announced a significant exhibition of works by Camille Pissarro, set to open in the fall of 2025. Titled “The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism,” this exhibition marks the first major U.S. retrospective of the artist’s work in over 40 years and will be on display from October 26, 2025, through February 8, 2026.
Camille Pissarro was born in St. Thomas, now part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and later moved to Paris in 1855. There, he became a key figure in the Impressionist movement, known for his depictions of everyday life rather than upper-class subjects. The exhibition aims to provide an overview of Pissarro’s career and his role within Impressionism.
“The Honest Eye” begins with lesser-known sketches and paintings from Pissarro’s early years in St. Thomas and Venezuela, showcasing his early inclination towards painting outdoors. It then explores his development as an artist upon moving to France, highlighting works such as “Banks of the Oise at Pontoise” (1867), which is part of DAM’s collection.
The exhibition also delves into Pissarro’s family life with portraits of his wife Julie and their children, some of whom became artists themselves. Further sections examine themes from the latter half of his career, focusing on landscapes around his home in Éragny and scenes from cities like Rouen and Dieppe.
Concluding with paintings depicting life in Paris, the exhibition showcases scenes ranging from Montmartre commutes to peaceful moments at landmarks like the Louvre.
“The Honest Eye: Camille Pissarro’s Impressionism” is co-organized by DAM and Museum Barberini in Potsdam. It is curated by Clarisse Fava-Piz from DAM; Claire Durand-Ruel, an independent art historian; and Nerina Santorius from Museum Barberini.
The Denver Art Museum serves as an educational nonprofit organization aimed at fostering creative thinking through transformative art experiences.
