Fairlight Downs, Sunlight on the Sea 

William Holman Hunt's "Fairlight Downs, Sunlight on the Sea" is an oil painting, a traditional medium with a rich history. Looking closely, you’ll notice how Hunt has used layers of paint to build up the scene, a skill honed through years of academic training. The materiality of oil paint, its viscosity and the way it reflects light, is key to the work's luminous quality. Paint is not just a means to an end, but an active element. Hunt was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, who advocated a return to meticulous detail, intense colours and complex compositions. Beyond the technical skill, consider the social context. Hunt was deeply engaged with social issues, and while this scene seems idyllic, it also hints at the relationship between humans and the land. The painting embodies a detailed realism, reflecting a particular moment in time. Ultimately, "Fairlight Downs" demonstrates how materials and making are integral to art's meaning, blurring the boundaries between craftsmanship and high art.