Saint Anthony (part of Tapestry in six paintings) 

Niko Pirosmani painted this panel with oil on cloth, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Pirosmani was self-taught, and he often used ordinary materials like oilcloth, a practical choice that was readily available. He was known for his direct, expressive style, and his material choices speak to a life lived outside the mainstream art world. The rough texture of the oilcloth absorbs the paint, creating a matte surface that enhances the immediacy of the image. Pirosmani's paintings often depict scenes of everyday life, reflecting his interest in the common people of Georgia. Here, the mode of transportation would have been a relatively expensive way to travel. Pirosmani’s work prompts us to consider the social dynamics of his time, and recognize the value of artistic practices that exist outside traditional hierarchies.