Portrait of a Man Dressed in Black c. 1675

Nicolaes Maes painted this "Portrait of a Man Dressed in Black" with oil on wood panel. The smooth surface comes from building up thin layers of pigment. The way Maes handles the oil paint is masterful; look how he creates a convincing likeness with such subtle variations of tone. The dark background, and the sitter’s black clothing, seem to absorb light. But his face emerges from the gloom. Consider the labor involved in creating even such a modest painting as this. The grinding of pigments, the mixing of oils, the careful application of glazes. These were all skilled processes, learned through years of apprenticeship. The traditions of oil painting represent a specific history of making and craftsmanship, reflecting the economic and cultural values of the time. Thinking about the materials and processes used by Maes helps us appreciate the social context in which this portrait was created, and how artistry and labor intertwine.