Neufundländer 

Carl Reichert painted this Newfoundland dog in oils, sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. Oil paint allowed the artist to build up layers of color and texture, lending depth and sheen to the dog's thick fur. Notice how Reichert uses short, precise brushstrokes to capture the individual hairs, giving the dog a lifelike presence. This technique reflects the artist's skill and attention to detail, as well as the cultural value placed on animals. Painting in oils allowed for easy distribution and reproduction through new printing techniques. This access afforded commercial artists a wider audience, outside the traditional art world, in a way which blurred the lines between craftsmanship, design, and fine art. In this context, the value and beauty are not just in the subject, but also in the making.