Artwork
The neighbors
The neighbors is an oil painting by the Naïve art artist Pedro Figari. It dates from 1919 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1919, The Neighbors is an oil painting by Uruguayan artist Pedro Figari. The work belongs to the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires. It depicts an intimate interior scene of three women engaged in quiet conversation, rendered with loose, expressive brushwork and a muted palette.
Subject & Meaning
The composition shows three women standing in a modestly furnished room, each wearing long, dark dresses that contrast with the light‑colored walls and wooden floor. A window with a dark frame frames part of the space. Figari’s focus on everyday domestic interaction reflects his interest in capturing the lived experience of his community.
Technique & Style
Figari employs a naïve, memory‑based approach, favoring personal observation over strict realism. The painting’s brushstrokes are broad and fluid, creating a sense of immediacy. Color is restrained, with subdued tones that emphasize atmosphere rather than detailed representation.
History & Provenance
Figari, originally a lawyer, writer, and politician, turned to painting later in life and devoted much of his oeuvre to modernist scenes of daily life in Uruguay. The Neighbors entered the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires, where it remains on display.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Pedro Figari (June 29, 1861 – July 24, 1938) was a Uruguayan painter, lawyer, writer, and politician.
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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