Cassis. The view from the window. 1913

Pyotr Konchalovsky made this oil on canvas painting to depict the landscape of Cassis. Konchalovsky’s painting is a clear demonstration of the labor involved in the production of art. The thick brushstrokes create texture in the scene, the marks of the artist are evident, a process that requires dedication. The visual impact of the painting relies on the properties inherent in the oil paint medium. He has used rich and bold color schemes, and impasto techniques, which result in a textured surface, and a visually tactile quality. The artist experiments with Cubism, and incorporates elements from Cezanne, evident in the way he represents natural forms. By emphasizing process and materiality, we can appreciate the artistic skill and craft involved, bridging the gap between labor, the creation of artworks, and their cultural significance.