Madonna and Child with Saints 1472

Piero della Francesca painted this large-scale altarpiece with oil and tempera, a painstaking egg-based medium, sometime in the second half of the 15th century. The painting's smooth surface and luminous colors reflect the material properties of these traditional artists’ supplies. They're also a testament to the artist's careful handling and blending techniques. The depiction of architecture in the work, which includes classical columns and arches, indicates the artist's engagement with the aesthetics of the Italian Renaissance. Look up to the coffered barrel vault above the figures; even the exquisite hanging egg, seemingly made of porcelain, shows the artist's detailed observation and mastery. This work, with its display of skilled craftsmanship and the artist's manipulation of materials, reveals the cultural values of the time. By focusing on materials and making, we can go beyond traditional art history and gain a deeper understanding of the artwork's meaning and significance.