An artwork on Galleree from The Art Institute of Chicago.
About the artwork
The DiligenceNicolas Toussaint Charlet (French, 1792–1845)
c. 1820/23
France
32.5 × 40.7 cm (12 3/4 × 16 in.); Framed: 47.7 × 55.3 cm (18 3/4 × 21 3/4 in.)
Oil on canvas
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Morris I. Kaplan
['19th century']
['travel', 'babies', 'children', 'dog', 'elderly', 'furniture', 'horses', 'landscape', 'lightning', 'men', 'rain', 'trees', 'weather/seasons', 'woman with children', 'women', 'youth']
['oil on canvas', 'oil paintings (visual works)', 'paint', 'painting', 'european painting']
['oil paint (paint)', 'canvas', 'paint', 'painting']
['oil painting', 'painting', 'painting (image making)', 'painting techniques']
The Diligence by Nicolas Toussaint Charlet captures a moment of quiet struggle and determination. In the foreground, a weary figure guides a cart loaded with the burdens of life—a heavy basket, a sack, and a child nestled closely. The horse appears equally fatigued, reflecting the exhaustion of both man and beast on their journey.
Behind them, a tumultuous landscape hints at challenges ahead, with dark clouds looming and jagged lightning piercing the sky. This juxtaposition of hardship against the effort of perseverance speaks to the human spirit's resilience.
Charlet’s use of light and shadow draws the viewer's eye to the faces of the travelers, revealing a blend of hope and toil. The distant horizon suggests a pathway, perhaps to freedom or respite, while the presence of a cross signifies faith and guidance amid the tempests of life.
The artwork invites contemplation on the nature of diligence—how every journey, no matter how arduous, is motivated by a heart that pushes forward against all odds.
About the artist
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