The Third-Class Carriage
The Met
Artist: Honoré Daumier(French, Marseilles 1808–1879 Valmondois)
Date: ca. 1862–64
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 25 3/4 x 35 1/2 in. (65.4 x 90.2 cm)
Credit Line: H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A dark, crowded interior with many passengers, a woman breastfeeding, and a woman holding a basket
Detailed Description
This horizontally oriented painting depicts a crowded interior space, likely a train car or carriage, rendered in a dark and muted palette. The scene is dominated by numerous figures, mostly adults, depicted in earthy tones of brown, grey, and dark green, with some lighter accents. In the foreground, slightly left of center, a woman with dark hair covered by a light-colored headscarf is seated, looking down. She wears a light pink or beige dress and cradles a baby wrapped in light blue fabric, appearing to breastfeed. To her right, an older woman with a lined face is seated. She wears a light grey hooded cloak over a dark blue garment and holds a woven brown basket with a handle in her lap, her hands clasped around it. Her eyes are open, looking forward or slightly to the right. Behind these two women, and extending across the entire width of the painting, are many other figures, densely packed together. Their faces are often obscured by shadows or turned away, but some are visible, rendered with strong features. Many wear hats, including top hats and brimmed hats. The figures in the background are less distinct, blending into the dark, wooden interior of the vehicle. Two rectangular windows with visible grid patterns are seen on the left side of the background, allowing a faint, lighter light to enter, contrasting with the overall dimness of the scene. The ceiling and walls of the carriage are dark brown, suggesting wood paneling.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
