Plutus ; Allegorische voorstelling van de verzorging van leprozen en onnozelen 1665 - 1685

Gerard de Lairesse created this allegorical painting of Plutus, the Greek god of wealth, using oil on canvas. The smooth, luminous surface of the painting shows the artist’s mastery of the medium, as each layer of paint was applied with care to achieve a subtle sheen. The technique of oil painting allowed Lairesse to blend colors seamlessly, creating soft transitions between light and shadow. The canvas ground provides a stable surface for the paint layers, allowing the artist to build up texture and depth. The act of painting is itself a form of labor, requiring both skill and time. Lairesse and his studio would have worked diligently to create this image of wealth, ironically highlighting the labor and investment involved in its creation. By considering the materials, processes, and social context of this painting, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.