Mutter mit betendem Kind vor einem Bildstock mit einem Madonnenbild 

This painting, *Boy Drinking*, was made in the 18th century with oil on canvas. The material qualities of the oil paint allow for a remarkable play of light and shadow, drawing us into the scene. Consider how the paint is layered to give the figure depth and presence. Notice the textures created by brushstrokes, the rendering of the boy’s skin, and the subtle details of his clothing. These decisions aren't just aesthetic. They are about the labor of production. Oil paint needs to be prepared, ground, and mixed, a labor-intensive process in the 1700s. Every layer represents time and skill invested. The painting's earthy tones and subject matter, a boy immersed in simple pleasures, remind us of the social context from which it emerged. In a time of increasing industrialization and social change, such images offered both a sense of grounded reality and a subtle critique of emerging consumer culture. Understanding its material, making, and context allows us to appreciate its significance beyond the purely aesthetic.