Divisionism
Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo. The Fourth Estate (Il Quarto Stato), 1901.
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None of our political writers... take notice of any more than three estates, namely, Kings, Lords, and Commons... passing by in silence that very large and powerful body which form the fourth estate in this community... The Mob.
-Henry Fielding, 1752
Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo was a member of the Divisionist movement that started in Italy in the late 19th century. Divisionism used a technique of putting pure unmixed color on the canvas in streaked brushstrokes. Inspired by the Impressionists and Neo-Impressionists, Divisionists were fascinated with capturing the effects of light. They combined their study of light and optical phenomena with social commentary, often depicting the working class and the poor.
What I love about this particular painting is the contrast between the brilliant light in the foreground and the black in the background. The shadows are crisp and short. There are few colors - mainly browns and tan - but the painting is luminous. I love the dignity of the people, and I especially love the baby. He has such health and weight to him. Despite being off to the side, he is the focus of the painting.
