“The Laundry” is an oil painting on canvas created by Edouard Manet in 1875, during the Impressionist movement. This genre painting measures 145 x 115 cm and depicts a domestic scene. Currently, the artwork is located at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, PA, US.
The artwork illustrates a serene domestic scene featuring a woman and a child engaged in laundry work. The woman, dressed in a blue garment, appears to be washing clothes while the child, adorably dressed in white with a straw hat, attentively observes or assists. The background is lush with greenery and flowers, adding a sense of depth and nature to the composition. Clothes are hung on a line, fluttering in the breeze, offering a glimpse into the daily life and activities of ordinary people. The artist’s use of light and color beautifully captures the essence of the Impressionist movement, focusing on the play of natural light and the immediacy of the moment.
