Angelica and Medoro c. 1716

Sebastiano Ricci made ‘Angelica and Medoro’ using oil paint to illustrate a scene from Orlando Furioso. The materiality of oil paint, with its capacity for layering and blending, allows Ricci to create luminous skin tones and soft, blended shadows that evoke the sensuality of the scene. Look at the rich textures in the figures’ garments, achieved through careful brushwork, and the way the light catches the surfaces. Ricci’s handling of the paint is crucial to the painting's emotional depth. The traditional skills and techniques used here are part of a long lineage of European painting. The laborious process, from preparing the canvas to applying layers of pigment, aligns with the values of craftsmanship. Consider how the artist's hand is present in every brushstroke, a testament to the labor and skill involved in creating such a work. Ultimately, the painting's impact relies on the mastery of materials and the artist’s deep understanding of their expressive potential, challenging any easy separation between the so-called “fine” and “applied” arts.