Edouard en het goud 1844

"Edouard en het goud" (1844), a lithograph by Hyacinthe-Louis-Victor-Jean-Baptiste Aubry-Lecomte (1797-1858) is housed in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts a poignant scene of a man reaching for gold while a woman and child lay prostrate on the ground. The artist's use of light and shadow creates a strong sense of contrast and drama, drawing the viewer's attention to the man's pursuit of wealth. The composition is balanced and harmonious, with the figures arranged in a way that evokes a sense of both tension and pathos. This lithograph reflects the popular themes of morality and social commentary prevalent in 19th-century art.