Chinese house 1870

Vasily Vereshchagin painted this artwork of a Chinese house with oils on canvas. The ochre walls and roof tiles are rendered with visible, gestural brushstrokes. The artist is primarily known for his war paintings. But here he uses his characteristically immediate, realist style to depict the built environment. Note the textural details of the flaking plaster on the walls, and the earthy palette that dominates the scene. Vereshchagin's approach to material is not just about description, but also about conveying the weight and feel of the scene. The very application of the paint seems to echo the rough surfaces depicted. Although this is not a large painting, one can sense the amount of work involved in producing it. The social context comes through clearly. The overall impression is one of quiet observation and a record of everyday life. This artwork stands as a testament to the importance of materials, and of making in understanding the full meaning of Vereshchagin's artistic vision.