Going Home 1884 - 1894

Fritz von Uhde created "Going Home" using oil on canvas, a common medium for painting at the time. Look closely, and you'll notice how Uhde uses brushstrokes to build texture and depth, particularly in the rough path and the woman's worn clothing. Oil paint allows for subtle gradations of color, capturing the damp atmosphere and the weight of the mother's labor. Consider also the woven basket she carries – a simple object, yet suggestive of manual work and the transport of goods. The painting reflects the social context of the late 19th century, a period marked by industrialization and changing labor conditions. Uhde's focus on working-class subjects challenges the traditional art world, which often prioritized grand historical or mythological themes. The raw materials of everyday life take center stage here, imbued with a quiet dignity. By attending to both the artist's technique and the painting's subject matter, we can appreciate the artistry of everyday life.