La Vérité 

Luc-Olivier Merson made "La Vérité" using oil paint, a material that allows for a smooth, almost photographic finish. Look closely, and you'll see how the paint is layered to create depth, especially in the figures and foliage. The artist's choice of oil is significant; it was a medium favored by the academy, ideal for rendering the textures and colors of the scene. The smoothness of the finish is interesting, especially given the theme of truth. Merson seems less interested in a rough, immediate expression and more interested in a classical ideal. This makes the work a great example of academic painting, which often prioritized technical skill and established conventions over radical experimentation. The labor involved is considerable, especially given the scale and detail of the piece. Ultimately, this painting invites us to think about the ways that materials and making processes can influence our perception of truth itself. Is the truth smooth and polished, or something more raw and immediate?