Joseph Georg Amerling als Major 1852

Friedrich von Amerling painted this oil portrait of Joseph Georg Amerling, the artist’s father, in the style of a military man. Here, oil paint is applied to the canvas in a range of techniques. Notice how smoothly the paint is applied to create a sense of depth and volume. The face is built up through countless thin glazes, each layer catching the light slightly differently. The folds and details of the uniform are achieved with the application of thicker paint, creating pronounced brushstrokes. The artist also captures a sense of realism in the skin tone and the texture of the hair. Considering its social context, it is likely that Amerling would have gone through a formal process of preparation before beginning the painting, making preparatory sketches and drawings, and carefully selecting his materials. The act of painting was a skilled craft. Examining the artwork through the lens of material and process helps us recognize the artist's technical expertise and artistic expression. It challenges our understanding of art and creativity.