Czóbel Béla. . 

This portrait of an unknown man was painted by Béla Czóbel using oil on canvas. It’s a great example of how materials can dictate the look and feel of an artwork. The visible brushstrokes give the painting a lively, textured surface. Oil paint, unlike watercolor or tempera, allows for layering and blending, giving the artist the freedom to build up depth of color and form. Look closely, and you'll notice how Czóbel uses thick daubs of paint to capture the light on the man's face, hat, and jacket. The materiality of the oil paint is also vital to conveying social context. As mass media gained prevalence, the upper and middle classes had the time and money for leisure reading. Ultimately, it’s the artist’s skillful manipulation of the oil paint that brings this portrait to life, reminding us that materials and making processes are central to the meaning of any artwork.