An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Broken EggsJean-Baptiste Greuze
French, Tournus 1725–1805 Paris
1756
28 3/4 x 37 in. (73 x 94 cm)
Painting
Oil on canvas
European Paintings
Bequest of William K. Vanderbilt, 1920
In Jean-Baptiste Greuze's "Broken Eggs," we enter a quiet scene filled with emotion and reflection. The painting captures a moment of tension and contemplation among four figures.
In the foreground, a young woman sits despondently, her head lowered, embodying the weight of disappointment. Broken eggs lie scattered at her feet, perhaps symbolizing lost potential or broken dreams. To her right, an elderly woman leans in, her expression filled with concern and perhaps a hint of reproach, as she engages with the man standing beside her. His posture is relaxed, yet the look on his face reveals inner turmoil, suggesting a recent conflict or misunderstanding.
The young child, oblivious to the adult's drama, plays at the edge of the scene, grounding the tension in innocence and highlighting the generational differences present. The muted colors and soft lighting create a serene atmosphere, even as the figures convey complex emotions.
Greuze’s attention to detail, from the textures of the clothing to the expressions on each face, draws us into their world, inviting us to ponder the intricate relationships and stories unfolding in this seemingly simple moment. The painting resonates with themes of loss, familial ties, and the silent struggles that often lie beneath the surface of everyday life.
About the artist
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