The artwork titled “The Policeman’s Daughter,” created by Paula Rego in 1987, is a notable piece within the Expressionism art movement. This genre painting vividly portrays an intimate domestic scene, capturing the essence of personal and emotional depth inherent in Rego’s style.
In the artwork, a young woman, presumably the daughter of a policeman, is seated on a wooden chair near a table, tying her shoe in a contemplative manner. She is dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress with black arm-length gloves, exuding a blend of innocence and strength. The composition is enriched by the presence of a dark-colored cat, which stands on its hind legs against an open window, its silhouette contrasting against the vibrant blue of the evening sky outside. The use of light and shadow, along with the restrained yet evocative color palette, enhances the sense of realism and emotional gravity, characteristic of Rego’s expressionist approach.
