The Fall of the Rebel Angels 1660 - 1665

Luca Giordano made "The Fall of the Rebel Angels" using oil paints, a common medium in the 17th century. Notice the swirling chaos Giordano has managed to capture, a sense of dynamic movement achieved through layering and blending the paints. The smooth application of oil paint allows for subtle gradations of light and shadow, creating a sense of depth and volume. Look at the angel Michael and the way his robes billow around him, and the contorted bodies of the fallen angels. The paint is applied with a fluency that enhances the drama of the scene. Painting like this requires an intense labor, building up layers of pigment to create depth and luminosity. It was produced in workshops employing assistants for the less skilled aspects of production. Considering the materials and making of a painting like this reminds us of the skilled labor involved, but also its social context of production and display.