Kystparti ved Marseille 1853

Emanuel Larsen created this coastal view of Marseille in oil paint. Looking closely, you'll see the materiality of the oil paint itself – the brushstrokes building the form of the rocks and capturing the movement of the sea. Larsen wasn't just recording a scene; he was actively constructing it with his chosen medium. The smooth, almost industrial finish often associated with fine art wasn't Larsen's aim. Instead, he embraced the inherent qualities of the paint – its texture, its ability to capture light, and its capacity to evoke a sense of place. The amount of labor invested is evident in the meticulous layering of paint, a testament to his commitment to capturing the transient beauty of the coastal landscape. By focusing on the materials and making of the artwork, we gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance. It challenges us to reconsider the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the artist's skillful manipulation of materials to create a lasting work of art.