A women named Anunziata in Subiaco 1841

Adolph Tidemand painted this portrait, "A women named Anunziata in Subiaco," using oil on canvas. The material qualities of oil paint - its viscosity, slow drying time, and capacity for blending – allowed Tidemand to capture the soft textures of Anunziata's clothing and skin, and a complex rendering of light and shadow. The smooth surface is a testament to the skilled labor involved in preparing and applying the paint, as well as the artist's mastery of brushwork. The painting also provides a glimpse into the modes of production and consumption of clothing and instruments in 19th-century Italy. Anunziata's traditional dress, likely made from locally sourced materials, speaks to the persistence of regional craft traditions in the face of industrialization. The tambourine she holds also alludes to a rich culture of folk music and dance. Considering the materials, making, and context, the full meaning of this artwork is that of a record of a specific time and place, as well as a celebration of the human figure, which challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.