The artwork titled “Railway,” created by Edouard Manet in 1873 in Paris, France, is an oil painting on canvas. This genre painting, measuring 93.3 x 114.5 cm, is associated with the Impressionism art movement. It is currently housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, United States.
The artwork depicts an intimate and poignant scene featuring two figures. A woman, sitting and focused on reading a book, holds a small dog in her lap. She is dressed elegantly in dark clothing adorned with lace, and wears a hat adorned with flowers. To her right, a young girl dressed in a white dress with a striking blue sash stands with her back to the viewer, holding onto the black iron railings that suggest a railway setting. The background is evocative, with the smoky atmosphere hinting at a train’s presence, offering a contrast to the tranquil and contemplative nature of the foreground figures. The intricate details and expressive brushwork exemplify the Impressionist style, capturing a fleeting moment of everyday life with vivid realism.
