El pecado 1913

Julio Romero de Torres painted *El pecado* in oil on canvas, choosing a material that has, for centuries, been synonymous with fine art. The material properties of oil paint, such as its viscosity and the way it reflects light, profoundly affect how we perceive this composition. The layered application and subtle gradations of tone, especially in the figures’ skin, create a lifelike quality, while the overall palette evokes a sense of drama. But oil paint here isn't just about rendering reality; it's a carrier of cultural weight. The laborious process of mixing pigments and applying them with brushes speaks to the tradition of academic painting, which has always valued skill, time and effort. Torres engages with a history of creative practices and aesthetics, reflecting a social context where art was closely linked to class and status. The subject matter, “sin” itself, further complicates this relationship. The painting encourages us to consider how artistic practices are always embedded in social issues, and how materials and making play a crucial role in understanding the full meaning of art.