The return from the field (preparatory sketch) 1869

"The Return from the Field (Preparatory Sketch)" is a preparatory sketch by Italian artist Gerolamo Induno, painted in 1869. This oil sketch depicts a family returning from the fields, showcasing the artist's interest in rural life and social realism. The composition features a man in a military-style uniform carrying an infant, followed by a woman carrying a basket of flowers. The sketch is characterized by loose brushstrokes, a warm palette, and a focus on capturing the simple yet poignant moment of a family returning home after a day's work. The artist's sensitivity to capturing the everyday lives of ordinary people is evident in the piece, making it a significant example of Italian realism in the late 19th century.