Das graue Haus 1944

Varlin, sometime in the mid 20th century, paints "Das graue Haus" or The Grey House, with what looks like oil on canvas. I love the consistent palette, so narrow, it becomes almost tonal. You feel a sense of the artist building up the image through layers of paint, working on the surface until it reveals the image, as opposed to creating it from nothing. Look at the surface, you can see where the paint is thick, especially on that building, and where Varlin has let it run. He leaves evidence of the brushstrokes, visible gestures that create texture and depth. See the shadows on the building on the right? This contrasts with the blank flatness of the building in the center. It's all so carefully considered. This reminds me of the paintings of Balthus, though he is perhaps a little more polished, he has the same kind of muted colour palette and an interest in urban scenes, and a similar ability to leave us with a sense of unease. Ultimately, this kind of art reminds us that everything is provisional.