Swiss Peasant Woman 1820 - 1821

Cornelis Cels painted this portrait of a Swiss Peasant Woman using oil on canvas. The texture of the canvas is smooth, allowing for fine details in the woman's face and clothing. The artist's skill is evident in the way he blends colors to create soft, naturalistic forms, which gives the woman a sense of quiet dignity, avoiding the common tropes of sentimentalizing peasant life. Though this is an artwork made with traditional materials, it avoids being a traditional artwork, as Cels is less interested in idealizing his subject, and more in presenting a clear-eyed depiction of rural life. The amount of work involved in producing the piece is considerable, considering that Cels probably undertook multiple studies before completing the final artwork. Ultimately, what is most interesting about this painting is how Cels used conventional materials to represent a modern sensibility, and his sensitive approach to the subject matter, imbuing her with a sense of humanity and worth.