Young Girls by the Seaside 

Pierre Puvis de Chavannes created "Young Girls by the Seaside" with oil on canvas, a technique mastered over centuries within the European painting tradition. However, here, oil paint isn't deployed for photorealism or vibrant color; instead, it evokes the look of fresco. Puvis de Chavannes applied thin layers of diluted paint, creating a matte surface with soft, muted tones. This technique, known as peinture à la colle, involves mixing pigment with glue, giving the painting its distinctive chalky, fresco-like appearance. There is significant labor involved in preparing this technique, requiring careful grinding and mixing of pigments, and a patient application of thin layers to build up the composition. Yet, this process isn't flaunted. Instead, it is subdued to achieve a contemplative and timeless effect. By embracing a technique reminiscent of mural painting, and denying oil paint its inherent possibilities, Puvis de Chavannes elevates the work beyond mere easel painting. He imbued "Young Girls by the Seaside" with a sense of permanence and classical idealism that transcends the boundaries between fine art and craft.