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Emilio Longoni (Italian, 1859–1932). The First and the Last Steps. 1897. Oil on canvas. Photo Credit: Alinari / Art Resource, NY.

Once under police surveillance for being an “anarchist painter,” Longoni belonged to the Divisionists, a group of artists known both for their innovative approach to light and for their confrontation, through their art, of early 20th century poverty, political unrest, and disillusionment. Here, though, Longoni offers an intimate contemplation of life. With a wide base of support, the toddler takes what might be a first walk in the yard, and reaches for the gate to the outside world; an elderly man, perhaps the grandfather, enhances his base of support by leaning on his cane and bracing himself against the pillar. In the play of light and shadow, the space between the subjects—not more than arm's length—seems vast.