Dreamer 

Károly Lotz painted "Dreamer" using oil on canvas, a popular medium for portraiture during his time. If you look closely, you can see the visible brushstrokes and the blending of colors, which gives the painting its texture and depth. This technique, commonly used at the time, allowed Lotz to capture the subtle nuances of light and shadow on the subject's face. The materiality of oil paint – its viscosity and drying time – allowed Lotz to build up layers, creating a rich and luminous effect. Oil paintings were luxury items, and portraiture like this was a sign of wealth and status in the sitter. This artwork, therefore, reflects the social values of 19th-century Hungary, where art was tied to class and power. By considering the materials and processes used in its creation, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance embedded within "Dreamer", and the role of labor and class in its creation and reception.