Le Cardinal 1874

Jean-Paul Laurens painted ‘Le Cardinal’ in 1874, using oil on canvas. The artist's technique contributes to the overall effect. You can see the loose brushwork, and how the paint is applied thickly in some areas, thinly in others, giving the painting a sense of texture and depth. The red robes worn by the cardinal appear velvety to the eye, and the glints of gold thread catch the light. It's interesting to note that while oil painting was considered a fine art medium, the depiction of luxurious fabrics and ornate details hints at the labor and skill involved in textile production and craftsmanship. The cardinal's garments and surroundings speak to a culture of material wealth dependent on many skilled hands, contrasting with the solitary figure absorbed in his letter. Thinking about the materials, making, and context really helps us to understand the full meaning of this artwork, blurring any artificial divide between fine art and craft.