St. Thomas has many secrets: One involves the father of Impressionism

Secret St. Thomas is dedicated to one of the most famous Impressionists, often called the father of Impressionism and the First Impressionist.

He was born and grew up on St. Thomas, yet his life here is not widely publicized or promoted on the island.  This makes Camille Pissarro St. Thomas’ biggest well-kept secret.

We will explore the Pissarro family’s life on St. Thomas as the first in-depth topic of this blog.  Camille Pissarro’s Mother, Rachael was known more for her scandals than for her secrets, but to understand her, one needs to reflect on St. Thomas in the early 1800s.

There was mainly one reason people came to St. Thomas—to make money, to get rich.  Commerce thrived because St. Thomas was a freeport and strategically situated to be a booming trading, shipping and distribution center.  A large portion of all West Indies trade moved through its bustling Charlotte Amalie harbor.

The Pissarro family came for commerce.  Camille left for art.