Miracle of the Eucharist 1423

Il Sassetta painted this small panel, Miracle of the Eucharist, around 1425-1426 with tempera on wood. A traditional medium that involves suspending pigment in egg yolk, tempera gives a distinctive matte finish and requires a meticulous approach. The artist would have applied thin, translucent layers of paint called glazes, to build up color and form. We can see this especially in the rich reds and blues of the figures’ robes. Gold leaf, another common material in the 15th century, is used here to create a sense of divine light and emphasizes the sanctity of the scene. The choice of tempera and gold leaf connects this work to a long tradition of religious painting, where careful craftsmanship and precious materials were used to enhance the spiritual experience. The detailed work represents hours of labor and costly materials, reflecting the value placed on religious devotion during the early Renaissance. Appreciating the work this painting involved helps us understand its original context and significance.