Bretons Se Promenant 1889

Charles Laval's "Bretons Se Promenant" is a painting that appears to have been made with oil on canvas, showcasing a scene in Brittany, France, with figures rendered in a stylized manner. The materiality of oil paint is crucial here. It allows for the layering of colour and texture, creating a surface that vibrates with visual energy. Notice the short, deliberate strokes, reminiscent of both Impressionism and early Post-Impressionism, applied in a way that mimics the texture of woven cloth – a connection to the region’s textile traditions. This is very different from the slick finish you might find in academic painting. Laval likely engaged with the tradition of plein air painting, taking his materials outdoors to directly capture the landscape. But the resulting image is far from a straightforward transcription of reality. The figures seem almost like components of a design, integrated into the landscape rather than simply placed within it. By emphasizing the connection of the local people and local industry, Laval shows the relationship of labor to the landscape. Ultimately, to appreciate this work fully, we have to look beyond subject matter and consider the artist's active engagement with materials, a practice that bridges fine art and craft.