First Steps
The Met
Artist: Franz Ludwig Catel(German, Berlin 1778–1856 Rome)
Date: ca. 1820–25
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 18 3/4 x 14 3/4 in. (47.6 x 37.4 cm)
Credit Line: The Whitney Collection, Gift of Wheelock Whitney III, and Purchase, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. McVeigh, by exchange, 2003
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
Figures on a stone balcony under dark arches, overlooking distant mountains and an orange sky
Detailed Description
A scene unfolds under a series of dark, stone arches, which open to a bright, distant landscape. In the foreground, on the left, a dark metal pot rests next to a wooden tray. The tray holds a large green cabbage, several red tomatoes, and white onions. To the right of these items, a person in a brown coat and hat kneels, extending their hands towards a small child in a white garment who appears to be taking steps. Another person, wearing a white head covering and a red skirt, kneels opposite the first person, supporting the child. Behind this kneeling person, a smaller child stands near a stone column. Further to the right, a third person stands, facing left, wearing a white head covering, a green skirt, and a white blouse, holding a spinning tool. This person is positioned next to a tall, wooden door. All figures are situated on a stone balcony or terrace. Through the central archway, a panoramic view of distant blue and purple mountains is visible under a pale orange and blue sky. The light appears to originate from the distant landscape, illuminating the figures and the balcony.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
