Nautch girls and bullock gharry, ahmedabad 

Edwin Lord Weeks, an American Orientalist, painted "Nautch girls and bullock gharry, ahmedabad" using oil on canvas to capture a scene in India. Weeks' process involved applying layers of paint to build up textures, and capture the light and atmosphere of the scene. The material qualities of oil paint, its viscosity, and the way it reflects light, contribute to the painting's realism. Look at the carved wood of the building, the smooth fabric of the women’s clothing, the rough hides of the bullocks. Weeks’ skilled technique is evident in the fine details and realistic portrayal of light and shadow. The painting reflects a tradition of Western artists depicting foreign cultures, often exoticizing the subjects. It suggests an intersection of cultures, and a complex social context influenced by colonialism. Consider the labor involved in producing the textiles, constructing the building, and the daily work of the people depicted. This painting invites reflection on cultural representation and social dynamics.