Roman Charity c. 1767

Jean-Baptiste Greuze made this painting, Roman Charity, with oil paints and canvas. The way he built up the forms here is fascinating; look at the dark shades that define the edges of the figures, and the pale flesh tones rendered with almost porcelain-like delicacy. It's tempting to get lost in the dramatic narrative, based on ancient history, but equally important is the labor of the artist's hand. Greuze employed a sophisticated method of oil painting that likely took years to master; this included layering and blending techniques. The artist may also have used glazing to achieve the luminosity of the skin. The cost of the material would have been significant, and the time invested considerable, yet these things are almost invisible to us. This is a work that deserves close consideration for its technique, which elevates it beyond a simple scene of human compassion.