Two Riders On The Beach 

Max Liebermann made "Two Riders on the Beach" using oil paint on canvas, materials that evoke the established traditions of fine art. Yet Liebermann’s handling of these materials is what truly brings this artwork to life. Notice the visible brushstrokes and the thick impasto, a deliberate application of paint that gives a tangible, almost sculptural quality. Consider the social context of the beach. The artist engages with scenes of leisure, but his application of paint adds an undeniable depth to the work, which keeps the image away from a more simple picturesque scenario. The very act of painting, the labor and skill involved, elevate this image beyond mere representation, and imbue the artwork with a cultural significance that speaks volumes about the values placed on both the subject and the creative process itself. By understanding this, we move beyond conventional boundaries of art history, and appreciate the artist's vision.