Der Arzt Professor Moriz Benedikt 1876

This is Hans Canon’s portrait of Professor Moriz Benedikt, painted in oils at an unknown date. Oil paint is the critical ingredient here. By the mid-19th century, it was of course an established medium, and the artist has used it to create effects of light and shadow – particularly on the sitter’s face – that convey a sense of realism. However, oil paint is also a material, one that takes time and skill to master. Think of the countless hours Canon invested in learning the techniques of blending, glazing, and layering, to create a convincing likeness. This time and skill is a kind of labor, even if it is more socially esteemed than physical labor. Ultimately, it is important to remember that even the most seemingly straightforward paintings represent a convergence of materials, making processes, and cultural values. Canon's painting embodies not just artistic talent, but also a sustained engagement with the labor of painting, reflecting societal norms about craft, class and artistic skill.