Les Ursulines 

Jean Paul Lemieux made Les Ursulines with oil on canvas. In this work, the visual impact comes from the contrast between the figures in the foreground and the backdrop of buildings. The nuns' habits are rendered with broad strokes of paint, giving them a sculptural quality. Their faces are simply rendered, but convey a sense of serenity. These women are presented as members of a labor force; their purpose to do God's work in everyday life. The buildings in the background are painted in a similar style, with simple shapes and muted colors. The lack of detail gives them a sense of timelessness. The perspective is flattened, which adds to the painting's overall sense of stillness. The composition is carefully balanced, with the figures and buildings arranged in a way that is pleasing to the eye. The painting has a quiet, contemplative mood. By focusing on these elements, we can better appreciate the way the painting's material qualities contribute to its meaning and emotional impact, and how it relates to wider social issues of labor.