An Artist and His Family c. 1830

This family portrait was made with oil paint on canvas by an anonymous artist. The application of the paint gives a smooth surface, with attention to detail in the rendering of faces and fabrics. As a work of material culture, the painting is interesting. The clothing worn by the subjects is a clear indicator of wealth and status. The artist’s tools rest on the table beside him. This is a display of his profession, and hints at the economic realities behind this type of commission. Family portraits, made using expensive materials and the skilled labor of an artist, were luxury items. The work involved in the production of such an artwork is considerable, both in the preparation of the canvas and pigments, and in the execution of the painting itself. The artist's skill and time were valuable commodities, reflecting the social and economic dynamics of the time. Paying attention to the material and making of this painting allows us to understand its place within a broader history of labor, class, and consumption.