Untitled (European Seaside View) 

Jean Hugo made this “Untitled (European Seaside View)” painting using tempera and ink on paper. The smooth, matte quality of tempera gives the scene a dreamlike calmness, while ink adds precision to outlines. Note the flat, simplified forms and limited color palette. The even application of tempera creates blocks of color reminiscent of stage sets, as the artist himself worked in theater design. There is a clear emphasis on design. The composition has an almost graphic quality, and it seems the artist has taken inspiration from the aesthetics of printmaking. This suggests a dialogue between fine art and the applied arts. Hugo engages with traditions of painting and the decorative arts, reminding us that all art is made, and is shaped by social and cultural influences. Recognizing the labor and artistry involved encourages us to reconsider how we classify art forms, appreciating the value of craftsmanship and design.