Negerpaar 

Otto Mueller made this painting, titled 'Negerpaar', using distemper on canvas. Distemper involves mixing pigment with glue or casein, resulting in a matte finish. The chalky quality of distemper lends itself to the rendering of the human figure and their skin. The color palette is earthy and warm, contrasting with the gray and white background. The artist's touch is evident in the visible brushstrokes and the slightly rough texture of the surface. This handmade quality reflects a moment in the early twentieth century when industrialized production methods were becoming widespread, and the handmade was increasingly seen as a mark of authenticity. Mueller was associated with the German Expressionist group Die Brücke, who were interested in non-Western art as a source of inspiration. The painting shows us how materials, techniques, and creative practices intersect with cultural and historical contexts, blurring the boundaries between art and craft.