Bord de rivière 1850 - 1860

Félix Ziem’s Bord de rivière is an oil on canvas, a traditional pairing of materials. The artist has engaged with the materiality of oil paint in a very particular way. Observe the texture, with thick impasto capturing the way light reflects off the water's surface and the rough bark of the trees. It gives the piece a tangible presence. Consider the labor involved in creating this texture, building up layer upon layer of paint. Ziem was celebrated for his impressionistic landscapes that broke from academic painting. The painting reflects the artist’s mastery of materials and techniques. Each brushstroke demonstrates his understanding of the medium, and the effects of his tools. Paying attention to materials and process allows us to fully appreciate the skill involved in making art. It also encourages us to consider the labor and social context behind artistic creation, and move beyond traditional distinctions between high art and craft.