The uprising, ca 1860, 87.6x113 cm, The Phillips Col Honore Daumier (1808-1879)

This painting depicts a crowd of people, possibly in an urban setting, with a strong sense of movement and agitation. The central figure, a woman with light hair, is shown with her arm raised and her mouth open, as if speaking or shouting, exuding a powerful presence. Around her, other faces are visible – some in profile, some looking forward, all seemingly caught in the same moment of collective emotion. A man in a top hat stands out amongst the crowd, suggesting a mix of social classes. The background is loosely rendered, with indistinct buildings in yellow and teal hues, underscoring the focus on the human drama unfolding in the foreground. The overall tone is somber and intense, conveyed through a muted palette of browns, yellows, and grays, with dramatic lighting that highlights certain faces and plunges others into shadow.
The subtext of this painting strongly suggests a scene of protest or uprising. The raised arm and open mouth of the central figure are classic symbols of defiance and a call to action. The agitated expressions and the dense grouping of people create a palpable sense of unrest and solidarity. The presence of figures like the man in the top hat hints at social tensions and the potential for confrontation between different societal strata. The historical context of the mid-19th century, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval in Europe, further informs this interpretation, evoking themes of revolution, resistance, and the collective struggle of the populace. The title The Uprising explicitly confirms this reading, positioning the painting as a commentary on moments of social change and rebellion.