Matrosbal 1909

Eugène Jansson captured this scene of a dance with sailors using oil on canvas. He wasn’t interested in traditional fine art techniques. Look closely and you'll notice that Jansson has applied the paint with an almost crude, free-wheeling approach. The social significance here is thick. Jansson rendered this lively scene with loose brushstrokes, giving the canvas a dynamic feel. He emphasizes the rhythmic movement of the dancers, and their joyous intermingling, highlighting the camaraderie amongst the working class. The rough texture of the paint adds to the gritty, urban atmosphere. It’s as if Jansson wanted to connect the energy of the dance floor with the hard labor typically associated with sailors. By focusing on the materiality of the paint and process, Jansson elevates this scene of everyday life. He asks us to consider the value and importance of labor, and challenges traditional notions of artistic skill and subject matter.