Tamara de Lempicka’s artwork, titled “The Refugees,” was created in 1937. This oil on canvas painting, belonging to the Art Deco movement, is a poignant portrait that illustrates the artist’s masterful technique and emotional depth.
The artwork depicts two figures, likely a mother and child, who are enveloped in a somber atmosphere. The mother, with a tired and melancholic expression, holds her child closely. The child’s downcast eyes and despondent demeanor echo the mother’s sorrow, suggesting a shared hardship. Both figures are dressed in dark, simple clothing, enhancing the somber tone of the piece. The use of smooth, elongated forms and a limited color palette characteristic of the Art Deco style accentuates the emotional gravity of their plight, while the sharp contrasts and meticulous detailing bring the figures to life.
