Venetian woman in the restroom 1854

Wilhelm Marstrand likely created this painting, "Venetian woman in the restroom", with oil paints on canvas. Looking closely, the traditional techniques employed would have involved layering paint to build up the image, and using brushes to create texture and detail. The qualities of oil paint – its blendability and slow drying time – allow for the subtle gradations of light and shadow that give the woman’s face its lifelike quality. These techniques would have taken time to master, involving rigorous training and practice. Marstrand’s process reflects a specific social context: that of the 19th-century art world, where skill and craftsmanship were highly valued. Yet the setting subverts these ideals; it's a private moment, made public. Considering the labor involved, both in the creation of the painting and the subject's own preparations, deepens our understanding, challenging conventional hierarchies between fine art and craft.