Femme assise sur un tronc d’arbre 1862 - 1865

Narcisse-Virgilio Diaz made this oil painting, "Femme assise sur un tronc d’arbre," using traditional materials on canvas. The painting's effect is entirely dependent on the artist's skilled manipulation of the oil paint medium. Notice how the viscosity and color create a sense of depth and light filtering through the forest. Diaz applied the paint with brushes, layering shades to create a complex, almost tapestry-like texture. The impasto technique, where the paint is thickly laid on the surface, gives the painting a tactile quality. The labor involved in creating such a textured surface is considerable, involving both physical effort and artistic skill, and it is important to consider the social context of artistic production. Diaz was producing work for a market increasingly interested in romantic depictions of nature. Considering the materials and techniques used provides a deeper understanding of the painting's aesthetic qualities, inviting us to see beyond the image and appreciate the artist's craft.