Alberto Sughi, (Cesena, 1927) - Oil on canvas; cm 57 x 77
Sughi's artistic baptism is tied to the particular situation in Italy immediately after world war II, during which the Neorealist style was spreading and which the artist wholeheartedly embrace. His adoption of the style can be particularly seen in this painting in which the important social theme of poverty is faced. It makes five elderly men to wait in a queue for food, outside a poor people canteen, in town.
The heavy overcoats, hats and scarves suggest the wintery climate. The dark colour, painted with broad, imprecise strokes down the painting in a sadly dramatic atmosphere. The work is signed and dated 1955 in the lower right hand part of the picture.