Monsieur Martin 1840

Jean-François Millet made this portrait of Monsieur Martin using oil on canvas. Look closely, and you can see how Millet has built up the image with layers of paint. This wasn't just about achieving a likeness; it was about capturing the essence of his sitter. Oil paint allows for subtle gradations of tone, which Millet uses to full effect. He carefully models Martin’s face with light and shadow to create a sense of depth and volume. The choice of oil paint also speaks to a particular tradition, one linked to the rise of bourgeois culture. It became the medium of choice for portraiture, allowing individuals to be memorialized and celebrated. The work involved would have been considerable, especially the preparation of pigments and the careful application of each layer. The portrait captures not just a face, but also a moment in social history. Consider how materials, making, and context contribute to the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.