Pastel

Definition

Pastel is a medium used in art that consists of powdered pigments mixed with a binder, resulting in a chalky texture that can produce vibrant colors and soft edges. This technique became popular among portrait artists for its ability to create lifelike images and delicate nuances in skin tones, contributing to the evolution of portraiture during this time period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pastels were used by notable portrait artists such as John Singleton Copley and Mary Cassatt, who utilized the medium to capture intimate details and emotions in their subjects.
2. The medium allows for both blending and layering, which enables artists to achieve a wide range of textures and shades, making it ideal for rendering skin tones.
3. Unlike oil paints, pastels do not require drying time, allowing artists to work more spontaneously and make adjustments quickly during the creative process.
4. Pastel works are often fragile and require careful handling; they are typically fixed with a spray to prevent smudging or damage.
5. By the 18th century, pastel became a favored medium among European aristocracy, often used for creating flattering portraits that highlighted the sitters' status and refinement.

Review Questions

• How did the use of pastel contribute to the development of portraiture during the 18th century?
  • The use of pastel in portraiture during the 18th century allowed artists to create soft, lifelike images with subtle color variations that enhanced the representation of their subjects. The medium's ability to blend colors facilitated the portrayal of realistic skin tones and delicate details, helping to convey emotions and personality more effectively than other methods. As artists like John Singleton Copley adopted pastels, they contributed to a shift in portraiture towards a more intimate and expressive style.
• Discuss the differences between pastel and oil paint techniques in portraiture, particularly in terms of texture and application.
  • Pastel and oil paint techniques differ significantly in texture and application. Pastels offer a dry, chalky texture that allows for immediate color application without drying time, making it easier for artists to layer and blend colors on the surface. In contrast, oil paints have a creamy consistency that requires longer drying times, allowing for detailed glazing but less spontaneity. This difference affects how each medium is used to achieve depth, detail, and emotional impact in portraits.
• Evaluate the impact of pastel as a medium on the social perception of portrait subjects during the 18th century.
  • Pastel's popularity among elite portrait artists played a significant role in shaping social perceptions of their subjects. By utilizing pastels to create flattering representations, artists emphasized traits associated with refinement, beauty, and status. This medium's ability to capture delicate nuances led viewers to appreciate not just the physical likeness but also the character and elegance of individuals portrayed. Consequently, pastel portraits contributed to the construction of identity within social hierarchies of the time, reinforcing societal ideals around aristocracy and gentility.

Related terms

Chiaroscuro: An artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects and figures.

En plein air: A French term meaning 'in the open air,' it refers to the practice of painting landscapes outdoors rather than in a studio, capturing natural light and color.

Portraiture: The art of creating portraits, which are representations of individuals, often emphasizing their features and personality through various techniques and styles.