How did Camille Pissarro’s failing eyesight change the way he painted in the 1890s?

In the 1890s, Camille Pissarro’s failing eyesight forced him to abandon his traditional practice of painting en plein air (outdoors). Consequently, he moved his workspace inside, frequently painting from the vantage point of upper-story windows in rented Paris apartments.12

This shift in environment led him to become a preeminent painter of the modern city, as he focused on capturing urban views of Paris, such as the Boulevard Montmartre and the Tuileries Garden. To explore the changing effects of light and weather, he began creating series of paintings of the same scene, working on multiple canvases simultaneously to document different atmospheric conditions. These later works are characterized by a freer painting style compared to his earlier Neo-Impressionist period, reflecting his continued dedication to conveying impressions of light and color through a harmonious application of tones and consistent brushstrokes.21