The artwork, titled “By the River,” is created by Eric Fischl in the year 1989. It belongs to the Art Movement known as Contemporary Realism and is categorized under the genre of genre painting. The scene within this piece captures a moment in everyday life by the river.
In the artwork, a group of individuals is depicted in a rural, perhaps pastoral setting. Three figures, prominently situated at the center, carry large brass vessels on their heads, suggesting that they are transporting water. A camel’s head appears on the left side, indicating the region might be arid or semi-arid. Another person is seen crouched near the river, engaged in some task, while a woman stands in the background. The figures are rendered with realistic detail, reflecting the artist’s commitment to depicting human experiences and daily life. The earthy tones and the calm demeanor of the figures contribute to the sense of normalcy and authenticity in this captured moment.