Bathers II 

Henri Fantin-Latour painted this scene of 'Bathers II' using oil on canvas. The very act of painting—applying pigment suspended in oil, layer upon layer—allowed him to conjure this hazy, dreamlike vision. Think about how the material itself, oil paint, lends to the artwork's appearance. The way the pigment sits on the canvas influences the texture, weight, and color. The process of layering and blending achieves this sense of depth and atmosphere. This is where the artist's hand truly comes into play, as he manipulates the materials to realize his artistic vision. Fantin-Latour engages with skilled traditions of painting and aesthetics. Yet these traditions are rooted in labor, and connected with wider social issues. The production of oil paint itself involves complex industrial processes, while the act of painting requires dedicated time, skill and resources. Ultimately, this painting encourages us to consider the vital role of materials, making, and context in understanding art.