A View of the Monastery of San Cosimato, to the North of Rome 

Jean-Joseph-Xavier Bidauld created this landscape, "A View of the Monastery of San Cosimato, to the North of Rome," using oil paints. The artist has employed a traditional medium, oil paint, applying it with precision to create a detailed vista. The texture of the paint itself is smooth, allowing the forms of the architecture and natural surroundings to take precedence. Note the way he’s layered the paint to build up a convincing representation of depth and atmosphere. But don’t be fooled into thinking that this picture is just about what you see. Oil paint allowed artists to become more entrepreneurial and create a lot of work for sale in the marketplace. It's a commodity, produced by industry, and distributed through systems of patronage and trade. So, while we may admire Bidauld's skill in capturing the beauty of this location, it's worth remembering that the materials and making of the work reflect broader economic and social structures. This prompts us to reflect on the relationship between art, labor, and consumption.