Selling Livestock 

Charles Cottet painted this market scene in oil on canvas, using brushes to capture a moment of daily life. Look closely, and you will see the visible brushstrokes defining the figures and the textures of the buildings and the animals. Cottet's handling of oil paint gives depth and richness to the scene. The thick application of paint creates highlights and shadows, bringing a sense of three-dimensionality and life to the composition. There's a realness to the scene, from the rough textures of the stone buildings to the smooth skin of the pigs, all achieved through the manipulation of the paint. The medium of oil allows for the depiction of detail and texture, but also brings to mind the traditions of landscape and genre painting, where scenes of everyday life are elevated to the level of fine art. Cottet’s skill with the brush captures not just the scene, but also the labor, politics, and even consumption that these pigs represent. This market scene is a testament to the value of observing the everyday and its place within fine art.