Andries van Wezel (1856-1921) 1912

Willem Witsen painted this oil on canvas portrait of Andries van Wezel around the turn of the century. Witsen's approach to oil paint emphasizes its capacity to represent light and shadow, creating a somber, intimate mood. Look closely, and you’ll see the visible brushstrokes; the artist's hand is evident in the final image. Oil paint, as a medium, is interesting because it is tied to social and economic status. The cost of materials meant that it was usually commissioned by the sitter, and affordable only to certain classes of people. In this sense, it is a perfect medium to produce a bourgeois portrait in a period of emerging class consciousness. The surface's texture and color create a sense of depth and realism. Consider the labor and skill required to achieve such refinement, from grinding pigments to applying glazes. By understanding the artistic choices of materials and the techniques used, we gain a deeper appreciation for the social and cultural significance of this work.