Portrait of Emmanuel, Son of the Artist 

Jean-Joseph-Benjamin Constant painted this portrait of his son Emmanuel with oil on canvas. Oil paint’s viscosity allows for layering and blending, visible here in the soft transitions of light and shadow that model the face and clothing. Constant’s method is evident in the visible brushstrokes, particularly in the background and the sitter's dark jacket, the texture created invites closer inspection, revealing the artist's hand in the construction of the image. In this painting, the artist portrays his son engaged in artistic activity, holding a drawing or print while a painter’s palette hovers in the background, celebrating the tradition of artistic skill and knowledge passed down through generations. It’s a conscious effort to elevate the status of the artist and the value of creative labor. Paying attention to materials and processes opens up a deeper understanding of artistic intention, and helps to break down traditional hierarchies between art and craft.