Vase of flowers on the window of a Harem 1881

Francesco Hayez made this painting, "Vase of Flowers on the Window of a Harem," using oil paints. It’s a fine art material associated with centuries of European painting tradition. Hayez applies layers of paint to create texture, bringing out the softness of the flowers. The way he captures the sheen of the vase makes you wonder what the surface feels like. The technique of oil painting may seem straightforward, but it has a direct connection to labor and the capitalist system. The production of canvases, the preparation of paints, and the commerce surrounding art materials all involve various industries. Also, we should not forget the labor involved in growing the flowers themselves. Ultimately, "Vase of Flowers" urges us to appreciate the artwork through its making and its context. It blurs the boundaries between different kinds of creative practices and aesthetics.