The Diligence c. 1820 - 1823

Nicolas Toussaint Charlet’s *The Diligence* (c. 1820-1823) is a Romantic painting depicting a group of travelers, a family, and a soldier trudging along a dusty road. The composition highlights the hardship of travel in the early 19th century. The somber tones and dark sky create a sense of foreboding, while the lone cross in the distance suggests a spiritual journey. The painting, now housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, captures a moment of shared experience and resilience in the face of adversity.