Catinca 

"Catinca" was painted by Nicolae Grigorescu, likely in the late 19th century, using oil on canvas. The visible brushstrokes indicate a direct and immediate engagement with the subject, typical of the Realist movement. Grigorescu’s thick application of paint lends a tactile quality to the work. The creamy whites and soft greys of Catinca's headscarf are rendered with an almost sculptural quality. But this is not just about aesthetic effect. Grigorescu, like many artists of his time, was interested in capturing the everyday lives of rural people. Consider the labor involved in producing both the painting and the scarf depicted. The canvas and paints were manufactured and sold, and the scarf likely woven or knitted. Grigorescu's decision to portray Catinca elevates her from anonymous laborer to an individual worthy of artistic attention. By focusing on the material and the making, we can appreciate how Grigorescu's work transcends traditional boundaries, inviting us to contemplate the social and economic context of his time.