Late Afternoon 1909

Robert Julian Onderdonk made this painting, *Late Afternoon*, with oil paints. The luscious quality of oil paint, with its capacity to be blended and layered, lends itself to an idyllic scene. Looking closely, we can observe how the artist skillfully manipulates the consistency of his materials, varying from thin washes that establish the expansive sky to thicker, more textured impasto in the foreground. This deliberate variation creates depth and dimension within the composition, drawing the viewer into the tranquil scene. The materiality of oil paint allows Onderdonk to convey not just the visual appearance of the landscape, but also its palpable atmosphere. There's a kind of labor, a time commitment, involved in achieving this level of refinement, elevating it from simple representation to a work of art. By acknowledging the choices and processes embedded within this landscape, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural significance.