Landscape with Moses and the Burning Bush 1610 - 1616

Domenichino painted "Landscape with Moses and the Burning Bush" sometime in the early 17th century, using oil on copper. This wasn't just any copper; it was meticulously hammered and prepared to receive the delicate layers of paint. The choice of copper as a support is significant. Unlike canvas, copper offers a smooth, non-absorbent surface, allowing for a high degree of detail. Look closely, and you'll notice how Domenichino exploits this quality, rendering the scene with incredible precision, from the rippling water to the flickering flames. But why copper? Beyond its aesthetic qualities, it was a valuable material, reflecting the patronage of wealthy elites. The labor involved in mining, refining, and preparing the copper plate also speaks to the complex economic systems of the time. So, next time you see an oil painting, think about what it’s made of and how those materials and processes have imbued the artwork with cultural meaning.