Lord in Glory with Angels. Annunciation 1503

Pietro Perugino painted "Lord in Glory with Angels" using tempera, a technique in which powdered pigments are bound with egg yolk. During the Renaissance, paintings like this were more than just images; they were displays of wealth and power, often commissioned by the Church or wealthy patrons. The process of creating such a work was labor-intensive, involving the grinding and mixing of pigments, the careful layering of paint, and the skilled application of detail. The vibrant colors and smooth surfaces achieved with tempera speak to the artistic skill of the time. The artist uses costly materials, such as azurite for the blues, or gold leaf, all of which were sourced through extensive trade networks. These materials, along with the artist's skill, reflect the social and economic context of the time. Considering the materials and processes used, alongside the social context in which it was created, enhances our understanding and challenges our perceptions of paintings like this.