Man Holding a Skull 

Frank Duveneck made this oil painting, Man Holding a Skull, with traditional fine art materials and processes. Duveneck loaded brushes with dark pigment to create shadows around the man and skull. This impasto technique allows the artist to build up texture on the canvas, as seen in the thick strokes that define the subject’s features. The skull is crafted from nuanced shades of brown and white, suggesting both fragility and the stark reality of mortality. The very act of painting connects to a longer history of skilled traditions and aesthetics. Duveneck's method reminds us of labor involved in the production process, highlighting the artist's technical skill, while also nodding to the consumption-driven art market. Ultimately, this artwork underscores the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding its full meaning, challenging distinctions between fine art and craft.