During the last eight years of his life Pissarro's choice of subject changed dramatically. Instead of scenes of rural life he now chose urban subjects, painting over 300 views of Paris, Rouen, Le Havre and Dieppe. This is one of 28 views he painted of the Tuileries Gardens in the centre of Paris. The elderly artist found it difficult to work outside and so he rented an apartment on the rue de Rivoli. From his second floor apartment he looked over the gardens and this allowed him to work in comfort, and also gave him the chance to paint on a larger size of canvas. On the left of the canvas is the Pavillon de Flore of the Louvre – with a flag flying in the breeze. Early in his career the young Pissarro, rebelling against officialdom, reportedly told Cézanne that it would be better if the Louvre burned down!