Verlaine 

Richard Lindner painted this portrait, Verlaine, using oil on canvas. The traditional medium allows Lindner to build up layers, creating a tangible texture that defines the figure of the notorious French poet. Look closely at the dark palette. Lindner skillfully manipulates the oil paint, using its inherent qualities of viscosity and opacity to sculpt Verlaine's imposing presence. The thick application of paint gives weight to Verlaine’s form, grounding him in a reality that seems to seep from the canvas. The visible brushstrokes remind us of the artist's hand, engaging with the material to bring the image to life. Lindner does not shy away from the materiality of his medium, but rather, he embraces it. The very act of applying paint becomes part of the artwork's narrative, a testament to the labor and vision involved in its creation. This direct engagement with materials elevates the painting beyond mere representation.