The Little Farm 1890

Charles Angrand’s painting, *The Little Farm*, is made with the humble materials of oil paint on canvas, yet its effect is anything but ordinary. Angrand applies the paint in a mosaic of tiny dabs, a technique known as pointillism. It's a laborious process, requiring immense patience and precision. Rather than mixing colors on a palette, he places them side by side on the canvas, letting the viewer's eye do the work of blending. This method gives the painting a shimmering quality, as if the scene is vibrating with light and energy. The individual strokes are clearly visible, reminding us of the artist's hand and the many hours of labor invested in the work. But it also prompts reflection on the broader social context. The idealized image of rural life invites us to consider the realities of agricultural labor and the economic structures that shape it. Angrand elevates the everyday, inviting us to appreciate the artistry inherent in both the subject matter and the act of painting itself.