The Lamentation 1650

Jacob Jordaens created "The Lamentation" using oil on canvas, a testament to the established traditions of painting in the 17th century. The tangible qualities of oil paint – its capacity for smooth gradations, rich color, and luminous effects – are fully exploited here. Look at the textures: the delicate rendering of skin, the heavy folds of drapery, and the contrast between the smoothness of Christ's body and the grief-stricken faces of those surrounding him. The creation of such a large-scale canvas involved a workshop, assistants preparing the materials, stretching the canvas, and grinding pigments, reflecting a system of artistic production tied to patronage and commerce. Jordaens, as the master, would have conceived the composition and applied the final, crucial layers of paint, demonstrating both his artistic skill and his role as a manager of labor. Considering the material and the making of this painting allows us to see beyond the religious narrative and appreciate the complex social and economic context in which it was produced, blurring the lines between art, craft, and industry.