Portrait of Dumitru Arbore' 

Nina Arbore painted this portrait of Dumitru Arbore in oil on canvas. The visible brushwork and textured surface invite us to consider the materiality of the painting itself. Oil paint, traditionally made from pigment mixed with linseed oil, allowed Arbore to build up layers of color and create a sense of depth and volume. The strokes are confident, almost sculptural in their application, particularly in the face and hat. It speaks to the hand of the artist, the directness of her touch. Consider the time and labor involved in creating this artwork, from preparing the canvas to grinding and mixing the pigments. While the quick, expressive brushwork suggests a certain spontaneity, it also reflects Arbore's skill and mastery of her chosen medium. Oil painting, while commercially available, demands dedicated practice. By focusing on the materials and making of this portrait, we can appreciate the artist's technical skill and the ways in which her choices contribute to the artwork’s overall impact.