Barbara altar from the Kalanti church in Finland 1415

This panel, by Master Francke, was made as part of the Barbara Altar for the church in Kalanti, Finland. The artist worked in the late 1300s and early 1400s. The medium is tempera paint on wood. Tempera is made by binding pigments in egg yolk, which creates a matte surface and luminous color. The gilding, made with fine sheets of hammered gold leaf, is an opulent material indicating the patron's wealth and reflecting the divine light. The skilled handwork involved in preparing the wood panel, mixing the tempera, and applying the gilding elevates the religious subject. The social context of the work reflects a society undergoing immense transformation with new divisions of labor. These precious materials and sophisticated techniques create a visually stunning artwork intended to inspire religious devotion, but it's crucial to acknowledge the labor involved in its production. The distinction between fine art and craft blurs as we appreciate the artistry and skill required to create this panel.