Tabernacle of the Visitation: Meeting at the Golden Gate 1491

Benozzo Gozzoli painted this fresco depicting the Meeting at the Golden Gate. Creating a fresco involves applying pigments to fresh, wet plaster. The artist must work quickly, completing each section before the plaster dries. The materials themselves – the lime plaster, the mineral pigments – are quite ordinary, yet in the hands of a skilled artist like Gozzoli, they yield extraordinary results. The qualities of fresco painting—its matte surface, its capacity for subtle gradations of color, and its integration with the architecture of the building – all contribute to the work’s serene and timeless quality. The labor-intensive process also reflects the religious dedication that was central to the work’s creation. This piece prompts us to consider the artistry involved in seemingly simple materials and processes, and the profound impact they can have when combined with skill and intention. It’s a powerful reminder that art can be found not only in the grand gestures but also in the humble act of applying pigment to plaster.