Widow 1865

Konstantin Makovsky created this oil painting, Widow, sometime in the late 19th century. The somber scene is brought to life through Makovsky’s manipulation of the oil paint. Notice the thick, deliberate brushstrokes that define the woman’s dark dress. This is juxtaposed with the smoother, more blended application of paint on her skin, creating a striking contrast between texture and form. The material qualities of her dress are emphasized, perhaps alluding to the labor involved in its creation. Consider how the weight and drape of the fabric reflect the woman's social class and status, and the amount of work involved in the production process. By highlighting these details, Makovsky draws attention to the often-overlooked aspects of daily life, and in doing so, elevates the status of craft and labor. The painting makes us consider the social context and the amount of work it takes to produce these material objects. This challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and the decorative arts.