Paysanne Sablaise 

Fernand Combes painted this watercolor, Paysanne Sablaise, using traditional art materials. Watercolor is a very immediate medium: it involves mixing dry pigments with water and applying them to paper. The paper support takes on a special significance, as its absorbent nature and subtle texture influences the work's appearance. In Combes's portrait, the thin washes of color create soft and translucent effects, lending themselves well to the portrayal of his subject. Combes has captured a working-class woman in traditional clothing and an austere pose. The emphasis on local dress and the laboring classes reflects a wider interest in regional identities and realities. In this context, even an artwork made with conventional materials like watercolor can be seen as part of a larger conversation about social values. It reminds us that materials, methods, and context play a crucial role in our understanding of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.