Nu allongé 

Henri Lebasque made this painting, "Nu allongé," with oil on canvas. Here, he takes traditional fine art materials and applies them to a scene of leisure. The brushstrokes, visible in the final surface, give texture and depth to the composition. Lebasque built up layers of paint to represent the weight of the figure, the softness of the textiles, and the play of light across the scene. Look closely, and you'll notice how the thick application of paint mimics the textures it represents. Yet, beyond its aesthetic qualities, the painting invites us to consider the social context of labor and class. The scene depicts a moment of relaxation, far removed from the world of labor or production. This idyllic vision, rendered with such tactile attention to materials, makes us think about the relationship between art, leisure, and the social realities of its time. It blurs the boundaries between the artistic realm and the broader socio-economic landscape.