Præsten Gjerløv Christian Krog Schiøler 1876 - 1933

Peter Ilsted painted Præsten Gjerløv Christian Krog Schiøler using oil on canvas. In this portrait, Ilsted would have had to build up thin layers of oil paint to create the illusion of depth and form. Looking closely, you might notice how the texture of the canvas affects the final image. The warp and weft create a subtle pattern, visible through the paint layers. This technique, known as glazing, requires patience and skill. Each layer of paint has to dry before the next is applied, a time-consuming process that speaks to a different era of production. There’s a world of difference between this approach, and today’s instant digital images. In the past, making a portrait was a significant undertaking, both for the artist and the sitter. The amount of labor invested in this artwork reminds us of the value placed on representation. Understanding the material and the making process gives us a richer appreciation of this portrait, blurring the lines between art, craft and social history.