At the shadoof

My name is Isabella, and I will be your guide today through one of our most impressive paintings: "At the Shadoof"! It's by a very talented Polish artist named Jacek Malczewski. Isn't that a cool name? nn (Pause for children to respond) nn This painting is quite small, only about as wide as a big book and a little taller. But don't let its size fool you! It tells a big story. Look closely – can you see what's happening in the picture? nn (Pause for children to observe and respond) nn

The painting shows two people working hard. They're using something called a shadoof. It's like a really old-fashioned water pump! Imagine you're thirsty and need water for your plants. This is how people a long, long time ago got water. What do you think they used the water for? Did they drink it? Water their crops? nn (Pause for children to respond) nn

The colors in the painting are mostly earthy tones. See all the greens? They make me think of a field, maybe where they grow yummy food! The people's clothes are simple, in whites, beiges, and a bit of red. The shadoof itself is yellow and brown, like wood. It's right in the middle, so we know it's very important. What do you think the artist wanted us to notice most? nn (Pause for children to respond) nn

The light in the painting is soft and gentle. There aren't any harsh shadows. It makes the whole scene feel peaceful and calm. Even though they're working hard, it looks like they're doing it quietly and with dignity. It shows us how people lived a long time ago, and how important their work was. This painting is like a little window into the past, isn't it? nn (Pause for children to respond) nn

This painting was made a long, long time ago, between 1900 and 2000. It's not just about people working; it's about their lives, their connection to the land, and the simple things that matter. It's a beautiful story told with paint! What do you think the artist wanted to tell us about these people and their lives? nn (Pause for children to respond) nn

I hope you enjoyed looking at "At the Shadoof" as much as I did! Remember, even a small painting can tell a big story. Now, let's go see some more amazing art!