“The Laundresses” is an evocative oil painting on canvas created by Francis Picabia around the year 1935. Representing the Expressionism movement, this genre painting measures 92 by 73 centimeters and is currently housed in a private collection. The artwork portrays a scene of two laundresses engaged in their daily toil.
In the artwork, two women are depicted carrying baskets laden with laundry. One woman has a basket balanced on her head while the other is shown with a basket in her arms, gesturing as she either places or removes clothes from it. The earthy tones of their attire contrast with the vibrant red garment of one of the laundresses, which draws the eye and adds a dynamic element to the composition. A small animal, possibly a dog, is situated at their feet, adding a touch of liveliness to the scene. The background shows a dim landscape with a fortress-like structure and leafy trees under a somber sky, providing a poignant setting that accentuates the laborious task of the laundresses. The brushstrokes and use of expressive lines typify the Expressionist style, focusing on the emotional and experiential aspects of the laundresses’ day-to-day lives.