“Woman and Child on a Bridge” is an artwork by Honoré Daumier, created approximately between 1845 and 1848. Executed in oil on a panel, it belongs to the Realism art movement and falls under the genre painting category. This significant piece is housed in the Philips Collection in Washington, DC, US.
The artwork portrays a poignant scene featuring a woman and a child on a bridge, rendered with a somber palette and soft, diffused light. The figures are depicted in shadow, suggesting an intimate moment shared between them amidst a bleak setting. The overall composition evokes a sense of quietude and solemnity, characteristic of Daumier’s ability to capture the emotional depth of everyday life. The brushstrokes are delicate, yet expressive, imbuing the scene with a contemplative atmosphere that invites the viewer to ponder the relationship and circumstances of the figures depicted. The backdrop, though indistinct, subtly frames the figures, further highlighting their significance within the composition.
