Landscape 

This landscape was painted by Paul Bril, likely in the late 16th or early 17th century, using oil paints on a wooden panel. It’s important to remember that the materials and processes are not neutral. Oil paint, with its capacity for capturing minute details, allowed the artist to create a sense of depth. Look at the textures, the way light interacts with surfaces. Bril uses these elements to create a world that feels both inviting and somewhat detached. Consider the labour required to create the painting, from preparing the wooden panel to grinding and mixing the pigments. The choice of materials is tied to the wider social issues of labour and consumption, reflecting the economic realities of the time. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making, and context challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft and is essential to comprehend the painting's full meaning.