Nudo 1881

Pasquale Celommi’s painting “Nudo” was made with oil paint, a traditional medium for creating rich and lifelike images. Celommi's use of oil paint, known for its smooth blending capabilities, allows for a soft, almost dreamy texture to permeate the scene. The way the light glides over the woman’s skin suggests the application of glazes, thin layers of paint that give depth and luminosity. Look at the details of the bed sheet and the green curtain in the background – these all speak to Celommi's skill in rendering fabric and texture. The labor involved in creating such a detailed painting should not be overlooked. Each layer, each stroke, required patience and precision. While oil painting has historically been associated with high art, it's also important to recognize the craft involved: the preparation of the canvas, the mixing of pigments, and the slow, deliberate process of building up the image. Considering the materiality and making of this artwork allows us to appreciate the artist’s skill, and perhaps also to reflect on the cultural values placed on both the female form and the act of artistic creation itself.