Paul Gauguin (Man in a Red Beret) 1888

Vincent van Gogh painted this portrait of Paul Gauguin, his fellow artist, using oil on canvas. What’s striking is the paint itself. Look closely, and you’ll see how Van Gogh applied it in thick, deliberate strokes. These aren’t just colors laid flat; they’re textures, almost like the raised threads of fabric. The way he’s handled the oil paint gives a tangible presence to the subject, capturing not just appearance, but also the weight and feel of his clothes and beret. Oil paint itself was becoming increasingly available during this time, thanks to industrial production. Before, artists would grind their own pigments, a labor-intensive process. Now, tubes of paint could be purchased, freeing up time for artists to focus on their creative vision. This small painting embodies a pivotal moment in art history, where new materials and ways of working allowed for fresh expressions of individuality. It challenges any rigid distinction between fine art and craft by highlighting the very tangible processes behind its making.