Old Neighbor Gone Bye 

Arthur Hughes created "Old Neighbor Gone Bye" using oil paint, a material that allows for layering and detailed depiction. The qualities of oil paint lend themselves to capturing the textures and light of the scene. Notice how the rough stone of the buildings contrasts with the soft fabric of the figures' clothing. Oil paint requires a slow, deliberate process, building up images layer by layer. This labor-intensive approach reflects the social context of the time, where skilled craftsmanship was highly valued. The clothing of the subjects tells of the amount of work involved, the garments worn by the working class. By engaging with the fine art tradition of oil painting, Hughes elevates the everyday lives of ordinary people, and shows us the value of the processes and materials that reflect both the dignity of labor and the social dynamics of his era.