Untitled c. 1940s

This untitled work was made by Judith Rothschild, using casein paint on board. Casein is derived from milk protein, giving it a unique matte finish and luminosity when dry. Rothschild built up the surface by applying layers of casein paint, each carefully considered for its opacity and texture. Notice the subtle variations in tone and density across the composition, achieved through layering and blending. The shapes, though abstract, have a palpable presence, as if cut and pasted from other materials. Rothschild was deeply engaged with the material qualities of casein paint. Her approach elevates painting to a form of making, where the artwork emerges from a dialogue between the artist's vision and the inherent qualities of the medium itself. The labor involved is evident in the meticulous application of paint. Considering the material and the making reminds us that the meaning of the artwork is not solely in its imagery, but also in the physical processes that brought it into being.