Christian Krohg at the Easel 1890

Oda Krohg captured this intimate portrait of her husband, Christian, at work with oil on canvas. Here, the materiality of paint is on full display. Notice how Krohg applied thick strokes, creating a textured surface that captures the light, particularly in the background, where the brushstrokes suggest the haziness of the atmosphere. Oil paint offers a unique capacity for blending and layering, allowing her to build up a sense of depth and form with a great economy of means. The quick, impressionistic strokes seem spontaneous, but they also reflect a skilled understanding of how to capture a scene efficiently. By focusing on the act of painting itself, Krohg elevates the everyday labor of art-making. The visible brushwork reminds us of the artist’s hand and the hours dedicated to their craft. This emphasis on the process challenges traditional notions of art as solely about the finished product. The painting is a testament to the value of materials, making, and context in fully appreciating art, blurring lines between craft and fine art.