The Marsham Children 1787

Thomas Gainsborough painted The Marsham Children with oil on canvas sometime in the late 18th century. Here, paint is more than just a medium; it is a carrier of social information. Note the textures he's been able to conjure: the soft, billowing fabric of the children's garments, and the loose, airy brushwork, capturing the verdant landscape. Gainsborough was a master of illusion, using deft strokes to suggest the opulence of the clothing, which was available only to the elite, and the ease of their leisure, reflecting a lifestyle far removed from the labor of most. The artist’s loose brushwork, which some considered unfinished, became his signature style; in this way, Gainsborough elevated the very act of painting to a display of virtuosity, showcasing the cultural aspirations of the era. Paying attention to material and process allows us to see how art like this is entangled with the social and economic realities of its time.