The artwork, titled “Family on the Barricades, 1848,” was created by Honoré Daumier in 1854 using oil on wood. It belongs to the Realism art movement and is a portrait measuring 92 x 73 cm. Currently, the artwork resides in the National Gallery in Prague, located in Prague, Czech Republic.
In the artwork, four figures are captured, framed closely against a dark and ominous background. The expressions on their faces convey a sense of distress and contemplation, indicative of the turbulent times they are experiencing. The central figure is an elderly man, his furrowed brow and downcast gaze suggestive of deep concern. Close to him is a woman, her weary expression reflecting exhaustion. Alongside them is a young child, looking upwards with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The use of muted colors and dramatic lighting serves to heighten the emotional intensity, drawing the viewer into the palpable atmosphere of the depicted scene. The background, shadowy and indistinct, further accentuates the sense of uncertainty and peril faced by the family. This poignant portrayal showcases Daumier’s dedication to realism, capturing the raw human emotion amidst social and political upheaval.
