Süße Grüße oder Liebesboten 

Hans Zatzka made this oil painting, Süße Grüße oder Liebesboten, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century. The painting is dominated by a woman, reclining amid plush fabrics. The materials here are a vital part of the picture's overall effect. Consider the brushwork of the painting, and the way that Zatzka captured the fabrics. From the weighty drape of the curtains to the diaphanous fabric of the woman's dress, the painting is a celebration of material abundance. The very fact that the woman is surrounded by so many textiles speaks to a culture of consumption, and the labor required to produce the objects. The painting idealizes comfort and sensual enjoyment, representing these as something available for purchase. Ultimately, this painting reminds us that even the most ethereal, beautiful imagery is rooted in the material world. By considering the labor and processes that underpin the creation and consumption of art, we gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning and significance.