The Courted Singer 

Giuseppe Maria Crespi's 'The Courted Singer' was created in Italy, using oil paint on canvas. Look closely and you'll notice how the artist has used the fluidity of oil paint to capture a vibrant scene of courtship and musical entertainment. Crespi’s skilled application of the paint creates a variety of textures and visual effects. Notice the way the light catches the sheen of the singer's satin dress, and the way the impasto brushstrokes bring the jewels to life. The rough canvas support contrasts the smoothness of the figures, emphasizing the distinction between materiality and representation. The artist’s expressive brushwork also conveys the energy of the performance. The work's themes of leisure and luxury provide social commentary. The setting alludes to the patronage system, where artists relied on wealthy individuals. Crespi blurs the lines between fine art and social critique by showing the material conditions that inform artistic production.