The Greeting c. 1675

Pieter de Hooch created "The Greeting" using oil paints, a common medium for artists during the Dutch Golden Age. But it is in the representation of other materials that de Hooch really shines. Just look at the gleam of the woman's satin dress. Oil paint is uniquely suited to capturing the textures and light effects on these kinds of sumptuous fabrics, which are themselves products of complex global trade networks. The rich carpet draped over the table, likely of Middle Eastern origin, also speaks to this. These details aren't just about showing off skill, they place the scene within a specific social context, one of growing wealth and international exchange. De Hooch’s mastery wasn't just about technical skill; it was about understanding how materials themselves carry cultural and economic meanings.