Oberitalienischer Gebirgssee 1890

Lesser Ury made this painting, *Oberitalienischer Gebirgssee*, with pastel on paper. Pastel is a fascinating medium, sitting somewhere between drawing and painting. What's special about pastel is its directness. The artist applies pure pigment straight to the surface. Looking closely, you can see the strokes of color layering to create depth and luminosity, especially in the sky. There's no mixing medium like oil or acrylic, so the colors retain their original brilliance. The softness of pastel allows for gentle blending and atmospheric effects, which Ury uses to capture the hazy light over the mountainous landscape. Consider the labor involved, and the artist's sensitivity in handling the materials to evoke a sense of place. It’s easy to see why pastel was favored by Impressionists and Post-Impressionists like Ury, who wanted to capture fleeting moments in time. Appreciating the materiality of pastel helps us understand the artist's intentions and connect more deeply with the artwork.