The Green Sofa 

Sir John Lavery painted 'The Green Sofa' with oil on canvas, using a traditional medium to depict a contemporary scene. The material itself, oil paint, has a rich history, evolving from craft-based practices to become the hallmark of fine art. Lavery’s brushwork captures the textures of the fabric and the soft light filtering through the room. The very act of applying paint to canvas mimics the layering and draping of textiles, bringing a tactile quality to the work. This is not just about representing a scene, it is about a process: the careful, considered application of paint to build up a rich surface. This painting provides insight into the consumption and display of domestic life. The model's dress, the sofa itself, and the flowers indicate affluence and access to luxury goods. Lavery's attention to these details underscores the connection between artistic representation and the material culture of his time. It encourages us to appreciate the skills involved, and the painting's engagement with the world of design and manufacture.