Waldesruhe 

Leo Putz created this oil on canvas painting titled Waldesruhe; or "Rest in the Forest", though the exact date remains unknown. It’s fascinating to consider the materiality of this artwork. Look at the brushwork, the texture of the paint, and the way in which the artist has built up the surface, layer by layer. Putz wasn’t just applying pigment to a surface, he was actively engaged in a process of transformation, bringing the figures to life through the very act of painting. Oil paint is a slow medium, allowing for reworking and adjustment. Each mark of the brush is a record of the artist’s thought process, his struggle to capture the essence of the scene. By using this traditional medium, Putz was joining a conversation with generations of artists who had come before him, all wrestling with the same challenges of representation and expression. So, next time you look at a painting, remember to look beyond the image and to consider the materials and processes that went into its creation.