Calle Di Venezia 

Filippo De Pisis captured this Venetian street scene in oil paint, likely with brisk, confident strokes of a brush, with what appears to be a palette of greys, yellows, and blacks. The material qualities of the paint itself become central to the image. Notice how the viscosity allows the artist to create texture. The paint is applied in such a way that it mimics the weathered surfaces of the buildings, the cobblestones underfoot, and the bustle of daily life. This technique, though rooted in traditions of oil painting, brings a raw, immediate quality to the scene. The rapid brushstrokes may suggest a parallel to the daily routines of the working class. The artist's gestures mirror the energy of those who built, maintain, and inhabit the built environment. De Pisis's approach reflects a desire to capture the essence of a city, its laborers, and their relationship to the structures around them. Ultimately, the painting reminds us of the value of materials, making, and the socio-economic context in understanding art, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.