La Tour De Collioure, Lever De Lune 1923 - 1924

Henri Martin made this painting of the Tour de Collioure using small strokes of oil paint. The labor-intensive process is evident. The technique, called pointillism, involves applying countless tiny dots of pure color, which then blend in the viewer's eye. This isn't just about optics; it's about production. Consider the sheer amount of time required to cover the canvas in this way. It reflects the artist's dedication, but also points to broader social contexts, like the rise of industrial labor. Each dot can be seen as a unit of work, a testament to the value of craftsmanship in an age of mechanization. The tower itself, with its rough, textured surface, is rendered through this painstaking process. It contrasts with the smooth, flat surfaces produced by machines, suggesting a connection to traditional building methods and human effort. Even the shimmering water and sky are built up from these individual marks, revealing a world constructed bit by bit, like the slow accumulation of human labor. By emphasizing the process of making, Martin elevates the act of painting itself. It bridges fine art with craft, underscoring the importance of materials, labor, and context in understanding art's full meaning.