Entrance to the village 1884

Isaac Levitan made this oil-on-canvas painting, ‘Entrance to the Village,’ around the turn of the 20th century. Levitan employed the traditional method of layering oil paints, building up color and texture to create this rustic scene. But let’s consider the materials he depicts. Look closely, and you see the rough-hewn logs and straw thatching of the buildings. These were sourced directly from the surrounding landscape, put together with labor that was surely grueling. The painting is a testament to this labour, which we see in the weathered surfaces and simple construction of the buildings. The uneven application of paint mimics the rugged texture of the wood and straw. Levitan’s choice to depict such a scene reflects a broader interest in rural life and the working class. The painting elevates the everyday materials and processes of rural construction, placing them within the realm of fine art. Through his material choices and subject matter, Levitan challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and craft.