“The Barracks,” created by Horace Pippin in 1945, is a notable example of Naïve Art (Primitivism). This genre painting falls within the genre painting category, depicting everyday scenes with a straightforward yet evocative style characteristic of the Naïve Art movement.
The artwork portrays an interior scene of a barracks, focusing on two soldiers engaged in a routine activity. The soldiers are seated on simple wooden bunks, with personal belongings hanging on the framework around them. The muted color palette and the dim lighting, characterized by small, flickering candles, evoke a sense of somberness and pragmatism. The meticulous depiction of each detail—from the soldiers’ postures to the sparse furnishing—conveys a sense of authenticity and intimate observation of military life. The composition highlights the quiet, reflective moments amid the backdrop of war, giving insight into the daily existence of the soldiers.
