“Crossing the Street,” crafted by Giovanni Boldini between 1873 and 1875, is an oil on panel painting that epitomizes the Impressionism art movement. Held in the esteemed Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, the artwork measures 46.2 x 37.8 cm and belongs to the genre painting category.
The artwork illustrates a bustling street scene of the 19th century. Central to the composition is a woman dressed in elaborate, dark green attire, adorned with a hat, and holding a bouquet of flowers. She appears to be hurriedly crossing a cobblestone street, accompanied by a small black dog. In the background, a horse-drawn carriage is depicted on the left, while onlookers and shop facades, including “Réparation de Meubles” and “Bonnet & Lingerie,” add to the vivid urban atmosphere. The meticulous brushwork captures the vibrancy and movement of daily life during this period, typical of impressionist sensibilities.
