What artistic technique is used in Chardin's "La Fontaine" to create a shiny metal surface appearance?

In Chardin's "La Fontaine," the use of thick impasto brushstrokes is essential for achieving the shiny surface appearance of metal. Impasto is a technique where paint is laid on the canvas in thick layers, allowing for texture and depth. This method enables the artist to create highlights and reflections that mimic the look of shiny surfaces, such as metal, because the physicality of the paint can catch light in a way that flat applications cannot.

Thick impasto allows for a more dynamic interaction with light, capturing the nuances of reflections and highlights that real metal would exhibit. The result is a three-dimensional quality that adds life and realism to the depicted objects. This technique emphasizes the craftsmanship and skill required to portray materials convincingly, a hallmark of Chardin's work in still life.

In contrast, the other options—pastel colors, watercolor washes, and pointillism—do not effectively contribute to the illusion of shiny surfaces in the same way. Pastel colors are more suited to soft, blended effects rather than the sharp reflections needed for metallic surfaces. Watercolor washes provide a translucent quality, which is not optimal for depicting the solid and reflective characteristics of metal. Pointillism relies on small dots of color to create form and light but