Italian city view 1650 - 1689

Jacob van der Ulft made this painting, Italian city view, using oil paints. Oil paint is interesting, as it is made by mixing colored pigments with oil and can be applied in layers, allowing the artist to achieve a greater depth of color. Van der Ulft used oil paints to create different textures, capturing the rough surfaces of the ancient ruins, and the softer feel of the sky. Oil paint captures the atmosphere of the scene, from the hard materials used to build the city, to the soft light that gives the scene a sense of warmth. Paying attention to the materiality and processes of the artwork encourages us to think more about the artist’s skill and artistic vision, and the cultural context of its creation. This approach challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft, emphasizing the importance of considering the many different elements that make up an artwork’s meaning.