Bouquet of Flowers on the Window 

Konstantin Gorbatov composed this still life with oil on canvas. He built up the image through methodical layering, one stroke at a time, with soft, thick brushstrokes. Look closely, and you can see how the artist has carefully placed each dab of paint to define shapes and capture light. The medium itself – oil paint – allows for this layering, giving a three-dimensional quality to the surface. Gorbatov's technique, reminiscent of Impressionism, is clearly visible. Consider the sheer labor involved in creating this effect, which can be seen as a mark of value in the pre-industrial age. Oil painting was considered a highly skilled, time-consuming activity, far removed from the world of mass production. Paying close attention to the physical process and materials reminds us that artistic expression and everyday labor have always been linked.