Ida Ilsted, the Artist's Fiancée. Sketch 1890

Vilhelm Hammershøi painted this oil sketch of his fiancée, Ida Ilsted, using traditional materials of canvas and oil paint. What's fascinating here is the way Hammershøi uses these conventional materials to create an image that almost denies its own making. The brushstrokes are soft, blended to the point of near invisibility, giving the portrait a hushed, intimate quality. The limited palette of grays and browns further contributes to this effect, emphasizing the artist's control over tone and value. The visible weave of the canvas is visible, reminding us of the material reality of the painting. It's important to remember that oil painting, despite its establishment as a "fine art" medium, is also deeply rooted in craft traditions, requiring careful preparation of materials and a mastery of technique. Hammershøi's skill in manipulating these materials is undeniable. By paying attention to the materials and processes involved, we can better understand the choices that Hammershøi made. Doing so challenges the traditional divide between art and craft.