The artwork titled “The Readers” was created by artist Alberto Magnelli in 1931. It is recognized as a work associated with the Metaphysical art movement and conforms to the genre painting category. This painting is an exemplar of the period, capturing the essence of this particular artistic exploration.
“The Readers” manifests a scene comprising two figures that exude a sense of deep engagement with reading material. The figures are painted with a stylization that aligns with metaphysical art, featuring elongated forms and a subtle yet noticeable distortion of perspective. Their postures suggest absorption in their respective texts, creating an atmosphere of quiet contemplation.
The backdrop of the artwork consists of architectural elements, including what appears to be a balcony with a railing and a simplistic rendering of a building. The use of geometric forms and the juxtaposition of the architectural components with the organic nature of the human figures accentuate the metaphysical quality of the scene. The color palette is relatively subdued, with an emphasis on earth tones and muted hues that contribute to the overall sense of stillness and introspection.