Den unge Tobias 1756 - 1759

Peder Als painted "The Young Tobias" using oil on canvas. The artist employed traditional methods to build up the image, carefully layering paint to create form and depth. In this small painting, Als demonstrated his masterful understanding of the qualities of oil paint. Look at how the artist achieved subtle gradations of tone to model Tobias' face. The smooth surface of the canvas allows for a seamless blending of colors, creating a lifelike quality. This control of the medium was highly prized in the 18th century, reflecting the refined tastes of the period. Consider the labor involved in producing such a work – from grinding pigments to preparing the canvas – and the skills required to manipulate oil paint with such precision. By valuing these aspects, we gain a deeper appreciation for the work, challenging conventional hierarchies between artistic skill and the value of labor.