Micul Gavroche 1882

George Demetrescu Mirea created this painting, Micul Gavroche, using oil on canvas. Oil paint is traditionally made from ground pigment, bound with linseed or walnut oil, and thinned with solvents. The artist applies these layers of paint to build up the image on the canvas, which is made from woven linen. The way Mirea works with the oil paint here is interesting: he skillfully blends his colors and models form, giving the figure a three-dimensional presence. You can see his attention to detail in the depiction of the boy’s clothing: his worn boots, and how he has captured the texture of the boy’s jacket and the folds in his pants. Painting with oils has a long tradition associated with the academies. But in this case, Mirea uses this refined medium to portray a boy who likely lived in poverty. Oil paint becomes a tool for social commentary, a way of elevating the image of a child who might otherwise be overlooked. It's a reminder that even the most traditional materials can be used to challenge our perceptions and bring new perspectives to the forefront.