Mark Twain 1890

Charles Noel Flagg made this portrait of Mark Twain using oil on canvas. As a traditional art material, oil paint offers a unique blend of workability and permanence. The canvas, typically made of linen or cotton, provides a textured surface for the paint to grip. The artist has applied the paint in layers, creating depth and dimension in Twain's face and clothing. The way Flagg uses light and shadow really helps to convey Twain's personality. Now, when we look at this portrait, we’re not just seeing an image of a famous author; we're also witnessing the labor involved in its creation. Flagg would have spent hours mixing paints, applying them to the canvas, and refining the details of the portrait. This act of creation is a dialogue between the artist, the materials, and the subject. Paying attention to the materials, making, and social context allows us to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of this work.