Artwork
A Man Cutting Tobacco
A Man Cutting Tobacco is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist Mattia Preti. It dates from 1664 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
A Man Cutting Tobacco is a painting created by Mattia Preti around 1664, executed in oil on canvas. It is part of the National Gallery of Art's collection in Washington.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a laborer cutting tobacco leaves on a cluttered table, with a child partially visible in the shadows. The scene is characterized by the figure's rugged appearance and the everyday activity being portrayed.
Technique & Style
Preti's use of chiaroscuro creates a dramatic effect, with strong contrasts between light and dark that emphasize the subject's physical labor. The painting's style is marked by dynamic composition and expressive lighting.
History & Provenance
Mattia Preti, an Italian painter active in Italy and Malta, later became a member of the Order of Saint John. The work is associated with the Barbizon School movement, although Preti's style predates the movement's emergence.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Mattia Preti was an Italian Baroque artist who worked in Italy and Malta. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Saint John.
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