The Yellow Shawl 

Eugene de Blaas rendered this portrait in oil paint, a medium prized for its ability to capture light and texture with remarkable fidelity. Consider how the artist uses the material qualities of oil paint to create a sense of depth and realism. Observe the subtle gradations of color in the woman's skin, achieved through careful blending and layering of pigments. The artist uses glazes and scumbles to mimic the delicate fabric of the shawl and dress. The making of oil paint itself is a laborious process, involving the grinding of pigments with oil, often by hand. De Blaas likely employed assistants in his studio to prepare the paints, reflecting the division of labor common in artistic production during his time. The time and skill required to manipulate oil paint added to the value and prestige of the artwork. The labor involved in producing luxury goods, like the shawl, is also present in this work. By understanding the materials and processes behind the work, we can appreciate the social and economic context that shaped its creation.