The Baptism of Christ 1590

Jacopo Bassano painted “The Baptism of Christ” using oil on canvas, a common medium in 16th-century Italy. But Bassano wasn’t just any painter; he came from a family of artisans, and this sensibility shows. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the textures of the figures' skin and drapery are given as much attention as the central narrative. The layers of paint, the rough canvas—these aren't just a backdrop. They're integral to the scene's meaning. Bassano's interest in such materiality reflects the world around him, an era when craftsmanship was deeply embedded in everyday life. The painting, therefore, isn't just a depiction of a religious event; it's a testament to the labor involved in its creation. The oil paint itself, ground and mixed by hand, connects the artwork to the broader economy of materials and making. By attending to these aspects, we appreciate how Bassano elevates the act of creation to the same level as the subject itself.