Two Girls Singing 

Giovanni Costa painted “Two Girls Singing”, using oil on canvas sometime in the late 19th century. The material, oil paint, lends itself to a smooth, almost porcelain-like finish, seen especially in the figures’ skin tones. But look closely at the dresses, where the oil paint is layered thickly to mimic the light reflecting off of the fabric's surface. The application of paint helps to visualize silk, and how this luxury material would have defined the status of these women. The artist’s chosen medium also highlights the immense labor of creating such a piece. Countless hours must have been dedicated to layering and blending the oils, capturing the textures and light effects, emphasizing the high-level skill and time invested in its creation. When we consider the social context of this artwork, the material and processes act as signifiers of wealth and leisure, highlighting the position of the artist and his subjects in society. It bridges the gap between fine art and the social realities of the time.