“Neglected” is an 1884 watercolor painting on paper by Anders Zorn, a notable figure in the Realism art movement. The artwork is a genre painting and measures 81.3 by 50.8 centimeters. Realism is evident in the detailed representation and emotive expressions of the scene portrayed.
The artwork depicts a moment of emotional tension and melancholy between a man and a woman, set against a richly detailed interior background. The man, dressed in formal attire with a top hat and overcoat, holds the woman’s hands as she gazes up at him with a somber expression. The woman is adorned in an elegant gown with intricate lace details, a headpiece, and an elaborate ribbon at the waist. The scene is further enriched by the warm, textured backdrop of curtains and patterned wallpaper, suggesting a domestic setting. The attention to detail in clothing and surroundings, as well as the palpable emotional exchange between the figures, exemplifies the Realism movement’s focus on depicting everyday life with authenticity and depth.
