Portrait of Jacob Maris 1857

This is Matthijs Maris's portrait of his brother Jacob, made with oil on canvas. The muted palette contributes to the work’s contemplative mood, and showcases the rich texture of the paint. Looking closely, you can see the artist has employed painterly techniques. Each brushstroke is visible, almost like the weave of a textile. The thick application of paint - known as impasto - adds depth, as the light catches every subtle undulation on the surface. Maris was part of the Hague School, a movement that championed a return to Dutch traditions, emphasizing mood and atmosphere. The painting’s somber tones reflect this sentiment, contrasting with the increasingly industrialized world. By focusing on materiality and process, we can understand the artwork as a product of specific skills, traditions, and social circumstances. It is these considerations that truly enriches our appreciation of the art.