“A Domestic Affliction,” painted by Benjamin West, is an oil on canvas artwork belonging to the Rococo art movement. This genre painting measures 112.71 by 142.56 centimeters, depicting an everyday domestic scene with emotional undertones, characteristic of genre paintings that focus on mundane activities and settings.
The artwork portrays a group of individuals gathered outdoors under a tree, evoking a sense of narrative and interpersonal connection. At the forefront is a seated older woman, dressed in brown and white, giving advice or comfort to a standing young woman dressed in a light-colored dress with a red shawl. Surrounding them are other individuals, including children and women in traditional attire, indicating a communal or family setting. The background shows a serene landscape with trees and a glimpse of a distant body of water, adding to the painting’s serene yet poignant atmosphere. The detailed expressions and interactions among the figures highlight a moment of human experience and emotion, rendering the painting a poignant reflection of domestic life during the Rococo period.