Drifters in the Night 1873

Mihaly Munkacsy created ‘Drifters in the Night’ using oil paint, a traditional medium that allows for rich textures and atmospheric effects. The earthy tones and visible brushstrokes bring a tangible, material quality to the scene. The inherent qualities of oil paint - its viscosity, its capacity for layering - are fully exploited here to convey the weight of poverty and despair. The subjects of the painting were likely peasants or laborers, their faces etched with hardship. Munkacsy's skill in manipulating the oil paint brings forth the figures in this environment. He engages with the established tradition of history painting but gives it a realist twist. This isn’t a romanticized depiction of rural life; instead, it’s an unflinching look at social realities. The amount of work involved in the production of the painting echoes the labor undergone by the painting's subjects. Ultimately, by emphasizing the significance of materials, making, and context, the artist challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.