Resting Vagabonds 1918

Laszlo Mednyanszky made this painting of Resting Vagabonds with oil paint sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century, though the specific date remains unknown. The hazy, sepia tones really give a sense of timelessness. It feels like a memory, or a faded photograph. Looking closely, you can see how Mednyanszky built up the figures and the landscape with these loose, blended strokes. It’s not about sharp details, but more about capturing a mood. The brushwork seems to vibrate, especially in the background. See how the light flickers around the edges of the figures, almost dissolving them into the surroundings? I am drawn to the way he defines the figures' faces, leaving them slightly obscured. There’s a real sense of empathy in this piece, but also a distance, a kind of respectful observation. It reminds me a little of Courbet's realist paintings, where everyday people are given a kind of heroic treatment, but with a softer, more intimate touch.