Venus, Hymen and Love 

Pierre-Paul Prud’hon painted this mythological scene using oil on canvas. Notice the texture of the paint; the surface is worked to a velvety smoothness, which softens the edges of the figures. Prud’hon was known for this technique, which he achieved through meticulous layering and blending of pigments. The labor involved in creating such a polished surface is considerable, demanding both skill and time. The artist also had to be aware of the economics of pigment. The shades are achieved through the mixing of raw materials, which varied greatly in price according to their origins and the complexity of their production. Ultramarine blue, for instance, was famously expensive because it was derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. By considering the materials and processes employed by Prud’hon, we can appreciate not only his technical virtuosity but also the broader social and economic context in which he operated. This challenges the traditional idea that fine art exists in a realm apart from craft and commerce.