Zelfportret van Wallerant Vaillant met hoed 1658 - 1677

Editor: So, this is Wallerant Vaillant's "Self-Portrait with a Hat," made sometime between 1658 and 1677. It's a charcoal drawing. I'm struck by how velvety the blacks are, how he captured the texture of fabric. What's your take on it? Curator: Considering this portrait from a materialist viewpoint, I see an intriguing story of labor and accessibility. Charcoal, unlike oil paints reserved for wealthy patrons, offered a more immediate and democratic means of production. Do you think this self-portrait, crafted with humble materials, challenges the art world's existing hierarchies? Editor: That's a compelling point. It does make you wonder about his intentions in choosing charcoal for a self-portrait, instead of oil paint like many of his contemporaries. Could he have been making a statement? Curator: Precisely! This could signal a conscious decision to engage with a broader audience or perhaps an exploration of the material itself, a challenge to traditional notions of high art. How might the texture and tone of charcoal, so different from oil paint, impact our understanding of his self-representation? Does it lend a different quality to his gaze or demeanor? Editor: I think the softness of charcoal adds an element of intimacy. Maybe even vulnerability that's not always apparent in formal oil portraits of the time. I'd never considered how much the material itself influences the reading of the work! Curator: Exactly. By looking at the material and production, we shift from just admiring artistry to examining socio-economic forces in the art world. A material lens really forces us to consider not just the ‘what’ but the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of art creation, broadening the discussion beyond aesthetic value alone. Editor: I am starting to think more about materials now. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure, a rewarding thing for both of us to consider more.