Esposito, Composer 

Sarah Purser created this oil on canvas painting, Esposito, Composer, using traditional art materials. Look closely, and you’ll see how the paint handling influences the image. The artist built up the form of the figure using layers of brushstrokes, which add texture and depth. You can see the movement of the artist's hand, as she blended and manipulated the paint to create the likeness of the composer. As a portraitist, Purser would have had to consider the social status and character of her subject. The formal attire and dignified pose suggest a person of importance and accomplishment. Oil paint has been associated with fine art for centuries, lending an air of prestige to the artwork and the sitter. Ultimately, this painting demonstrates the importance of understanding the materials, techniques, and social context of a work of art, challenging any strict separation between craft and fine art.