The Postman 

Carl Spitzweg, painted The Postman, with oil paints on canvas. The scene is brought to life through the materiality of paint, applied with varied brushstrokes to capture the textures of stone, wood, and fabric. See how Spitzweg used thin glazes to create depth, and thicker impasto to catch the light. He likely would have been a trained artist familiar with grinding pigments and preparing his own materials to achieve the desired effects. The time spent producing and selling the painting would reflect the changing economy of the time. Spitzweg turned away from more classical conventions of history painting in favor of scenes from everyday life, which democratized the subject of art by depicting people from all social classes. He presents a moment of human connection within the bustling urban landscape, reflecting the increasing importance of communication and community in the industrialized world. Considering the materials and production process of The Postman allows us to appreciate its social significance, challenging the traditional divide between fine art and craft.