View of Tiflis 

Lev Lagorio made this painting, View of Tiflis, using oil on canvas. The visible brushstrokes and texture of the paint give the landscape a sense of depth. We see the buildings nestled in the landscape, and the light that appears to come from them, not just a sunset. Lagorio carefully layered and blended his colors to capture the effects of light and atmosphere, especially the warm glow of the sky. Oil paint allows for a high level of detail and realism, yet the very act of painting always involves careful craftsmanship and attention to materials. As much as this is a document of a place, it is also an artifact of labor, of a studio practice, of a set of established conventions about what painting can and should be. Understanding the materials and processes used in creating an artwork helps us appreciate the skill and artistry involved and challenges conventional ideas about 'high art.'