On Learning to Paint: A Handbook by Lovis Corinth c. early 20th century

Editor: This is the cover of "On Learning to Paint: A Handbook" by Lovis Corinth. I find the simplified drawing style quite striking for an instructional manual. What does the image tell you about the context of art education at the time? Curator: Well, the cover image speaks to the traditional focus on life drawing within academic training. Corinth, though associated with Impressionism and Expressionism, is grounding his instruction in the established practice of rendering the human form. Consider the male gaze implied here. How might that impact who feels welcome in the art world? Editor: That’s a good point. So even a "how-to" manual reflects the prevailing social dynamics of the art world? Curator: Precisely. The politics of imagery extend even to educational materials, shaping artistic production and reception. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It makes me reconsider the role of handbooks in shaping artistic norms.