Tickling 1904

Jose Malhoa, sometime in the late 19th century, decided to show us what “Tickling” looks like with oil on canvas. The texture here is really something – look at how the paint seems to mimic the rough, dry feel of the wheat. There's a real sense of physicality, like you could reach out and feel the scratchy straw. And the light! It’s not just about showing us the scene, but also about the heat, the golden haze of a summer day. I’m drawn to the way the artist renders the woman's hand, reaching up in mock defense, it's painted with such loose energy that it feels like it's about to move! It’s this kind of lively mark-making that brings the whole scene alive. It reminds me of Courbet, in the way he found beauty in the everyday, but with a touch of playful humor.