Lucy Turner Joy 1897

Anders Zorn painted this portrait of Lucy Turner Joy in 1897, using oil on canvas. The materiality of oil paint lends itself to Zorn’s loose, confident brushstrokes and rich color palette, capturing the sitter's likeness. The texture and weight of the paint, applied with a visible hand, imbue the portrait with a sense of immediacy. This technique, which involves layering paint to create depth and dimension, was common among Impressionist painters. Zorn masterfully employs it to convey the soft textures of Lucy Turner Joy's dress. The cultural significance of portraiture lies in its ability to immortalize individuals and convey their status. The brushstrokes and the application of the paint, reflect the work involved in creating a painting like this, marking it as a luxury object. By considering the materials, the making, and its context, we can fully understand the meaning of the work and challenge traditional notions of fine art.