Boulevard Haussmann 

This painting of the Boulevard Haussmann was made by Antoine Blanchard, using oil paint on canvas. Oil paint, with its capacity for smooth blending and subtle gradations of tone, has long been associated with the fine arts. Here, however, Blanchard uses it in a way that approaches commercial illustration. Look at the way Blanchard's brushstrokes load up the canvas. There is a looseness and spontaneity to the application, the paint creating a misty atmosphere. Consider the amount of labor that has been invested in the production of oil paint. From the grinding of pigments to the refining of oils, the making of these materials is labor-intensive. Here, these processes contribute to the depiction of a busy Parisian street scene. The painting invites us to consider how the materials and methods of production influence our understanding of the image and its cultural context. The context of the scene is also relevant, and we might consider the many forms of skilled work that support it. So, next time you look at a painting, remember to think about the materials and processes that have gone into its making. By doing so, we can challenge the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance of the work.