Composition 

Jacques Hérold made this painting, Composition, using gouache on paper. Gouache, unlike oil paint, offers a matte finish, which reduces the sense of depth. Hérold has fully exploited this characteristic. Note how the paper itself becomes part of the composition, its golden color visible throughout. This is an economical approach, a swift application with no laborious underpainting or glazing. The artist used the material expressively to create a sense of flattened space, which adds to the painting's abstract quality. Hérold’s technique reflects the influence of Surrealism, a movement known for its spontaneous, dreamlike imagery. The visible brushstrokes and the directness of the medium emphasize the artist's hand, connecting us to his creative process. This approach elevates the material to a level of importance equal to the subject matter, a concept that challenges traditional hierarchies within art history. It underscores the value of material exploration and the artist's direct engagement with their medium.