Artwork
The Breadwinner
The Breadwinner is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Alexander Struys. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
The Breadwinner is a 1894 oil painting by Alexander Struys, a Belgian artist known for realistic depictions of everyday life. It is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows an elderly woman and a seated man in a quiet, intimate moment. The woman, dressed in dark clothing, holds a small object, possibly bread, while the man sits with his hands in his lap, suggesting a domestic or familial scene.
Technique & Style
The painting's use of chiaroscuro, with a warm glow from a window contrasting with the dimly lit room, creates a somber atmosphere. This technique is reminiscent of the Old Masters, and the work is associated with the Post-Impressionist movement.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1894, The Breadwinner is held in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, reflecting its significance within the artist's oeuvre and the broader context of late 19th-century art.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Alexander Theodore Honoré Struys (24 January 1852, Berchem – 25 March 1941, Uccle) was a Belgian genre and portrait painter in the Realistic style.
