Disbanded 

John Pettie made this oil painting of a Scottish Highlander in the 19th century. Look closely, and you’ll see how the materiality of the paint itself contributes to the overall feeling of the artwork. Pettie applied the paint in thick layers, a technique known as impasto. This gives the surface a tactile quality, almost as if you could reach out and feel the texture of the Highlander's clothing and the rugged terrain he traverses. The loose brushwork suggests movement and energy, mirroring the sense of a man in motion, burdened by his belongings but resolute in his stride. The choice of oil paint is significant here. It's a medium that allows for rich color and subtle gradations of tone, which Pettie uses to create a sense of depth and atmosphere. But beyond its aesthetic qualities, the painting prompts us to consider the amount of labor involved in its production. From the grinding of pigments to the layering of paint, each step required skill and effort. Understanding the artist's process allows us to appreciate the material and social significance of the artwork.