Madonna della Cintola 1465

Filippo Lippi created this ‘Madonna della Cintola’ using tempera on wood. Tempera is a traditional method using egg yolk as a binder, and the smooth panel surface is the result of painstaking labor. The inherent qualities of the materials significantly influence the artwork's appearance. The colors achieve a luminous quality, in contrast to the relative matte finish of the paint. Lippi, trained as a painter, has applied these techniques within a religious context, typical for the time, with skilled application and detail. Consider the layers of labor involved, from the preparation of the panel to the grinding and mixing of pigments, to the delicate application of paint. This reflects the social context of the time, where artistic production was often closely tied to patronage and religious institutions. There’s an enormous amount of careful work on display. Ultimately, this painting is a testament to the enduring power of materials and making, challenging distinctions between art and craft.