Artwork
No bread, no work
No bread, no work is an oil painting by Ernesto de la Cárcova. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina.
About this work
Overview
No bread, no work is a realist oil-on-canvas painting by Ernesto de la Cárcova, created in 1894. It measures 125.5 cm in width and 216 cm in height.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts two individuals in a dimly lit, sparsely furnished room, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and everyday hardship. The scene is set in a humble environment, suggesting a working-class setting and highlighting social issues.
Technique & Style
De la Cárcova employed muted colors and soft lighting to create an intimate atmosphere, utilizing chiaroscuro to accentuate the scene's emotional depth.
History & Provenance
First exhibited in 1894 at the Segundo salón del Ateneo de Buenos Aires, the painting won the Grand Prize at the 1904 St. Louis World Fair. It has been part of the National Museum of Fine Arts of Buenos Aires' collection since 1906.
Context
De la Cárcova's affiliation with the Centro Obrero Socialista, a precursor to Argentina's Socialist Party, influenced the painting's focus on social issues, making it a pioneering work in Argentine art.
Artist & collection
Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts, Argentina
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