De Usynlige, III akt, 3. scene 1761 - 1828

C.A. Lorentzen painted this scene from 'The Invisible Ones' using oil on canvas. The texture of the canvas support is crucial here. The figures are built up from thin layers of paint, which allow the weave of the canvas to remain visible. The artist has painstakingly rendered a range of textures, from the soft drapery to the smooth skin of the figures. This level of detail signals both the painter's skill and his access to high-quality materials. The painting's technique speaks to the social context of its creation. Oil painting was a luxury medium, and the commissioning of such works reflected the wealth and status of the patron. The labor involved in preparing the canvas, grinding pigments, and applying the paint was considerable, further emphasizing the value placed on artistic skill and craftsmanship. The artist’s labor is thus a display of luxury, transformed for our visual consumption. By attending to the materials and processes behind this painting, we can better understand its cultural significance, questioning the traditional separation of art and craft.