Susanna 1636

Rembrandt van Rijn made this painting, Susanna, with oil paint on canvas. Look closely, and you can see how the material qualities of oil paint – its viscosity, its ability to be blended and layered – profoundly influence the image. It's not just a likeness of a woman; it's a record of the artist's actions. With each stroke, Rembrandt manipulates light and shadow, creating a dramatic scene with a palpable sense of atmosphere. The impasto, thick application of paint in certain areas, gives a tactile quality. The labour of painting is quite evident here; each brushstroke, choice of hue, and the build-up of layers contribute to the overall composition. The very act of painting, a skilled tradition passed down through generations, is integral to the work's meaning. It's a reminder that art isn't just about what's depicted, but about the labour and skill of making itself.