The Way They Live

Thomas Anshutz

Created:
Movement:
1879
Realism
key Notes:
Realist depiction, Rural life
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Dimensions:
24 x 17 in. (61 x 43.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"The Way They Live" is a painting by American artist Thomas Anshutz, created in 1879. Anshutz was associated with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and was influenced by the Ashcan School movement. The painting depicts a group of individuals engaged in everyday activities, reflecting the social realism of the time. It is characterized by its attention to detail and the portrayal of contemporary life. The work is noted for its use of light and shadow, which enhances the realism of the scene. Anshutz's focus on ordinary subjects was a departure from the more idealized representations common in earlier American art. The current location of the painting is not specified in available records. Further details about the painting's exhibition history or critical reception are also not documented.

Description of the work:

"The Way They Live," created by Thomas Anshutz in 1879, is an oil on canvas painting that depicts a domestic interior scene. The composition features a group of figures engaged in various activities, highlighting the everyday life of the subjects. The use of natural light illuminates the space, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Anshutz employs a muted color palette, with earthy tones predominating, which enhances the sense of realism. The figures are rendered with attention to detail, showcasing their clothing and expressions, contributing to the narrative quality of the work. The arrangement of objects within the interior adds depth and context to the scene, reflecting the social environment of the time. Overall, the painting captures a moment of intimacy and familiarity, inviting viewers to contemplate the lives of the depicted individuals.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Way They Live