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Politics in an Oyster House

Michele Fanoli

1851

ink

paper

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Impressionism Realism Early 19th Century Genre Scene

Dominant colour

Politics in an Oyster House is a 1851 ink by Michele Fanoli, a Impressionism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Michele Fanoli
When & what style?: 1851 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This scene shows two men sitting at a small table in a dim, cluttered room. The older man rests his chin on his hand, listening as the younger man gestures with his hands, holding a newspaper. A red curtain hangs behind them, and a green umbrella leans against the wall. On the table sit a wine bottle, glasses, and a bowl of coins. The artist focused on everyday life, not grand events. The lighting and details suggest this was meant to feel real and immediate. Next, look up lithography to see how this image was made.