The Family 1901

"The Family" (1901) by Luc-Olivier Merson (1846-1920) is a large-scale painting that depicts a family scene with several figures. The central family, which consists of a couple, a young boy, and a baby, are dressed in simple clothing. The parents are embracing, while the boy looks on. The painting has a strong sense of realism, and the figures are depicted with great detail. A woman in white, possibly an angel, sits on a stone ledge. She holds a spear in her hand, symbolizing peace. Merson’s painting captures a moment of love and family, a reminder of the importance of family in a complex and changing world.