Taming Of A Shrew 2019

Michael Cheval made this oil on canvas painting, titled *Taming Of A Shrew*, using traditional fine art materials. Oil paint, beloved for its luminosity and blendability, allows for the creation of seamless gradients that make this scene so dreamlike. The artist has skillfully employed techniques like layering and glazing to achieve such intricate detail. We see this in the subtle textures of the woman's hat, and in the rooster's feathers, built up through many thin coats of paint, capturing light in a uniquely vibrant way. This is a time consuming process, that demands highly skilled, and very patient labor. The title itself - *Taming of a Shrew* - implies a social commentary. The ‘shrew’ of the title could be the rooster, tamed by the woman's gentle hold, which is a metaphor for societal expectations of women. By appreciating the labor, materials, and meaning embedded in *Taming Of A Shrew*, we gain a deeper understanding of Cheval's artistic practice and its engagement with social commentary.