Birth and Naming St. John 1465

Filippo Lippi painted this fresco of the Birth and Naming of St. John in Italy during the early Renaissance. As a fresco, the pigments were applied to a thin layer of wet plaster, a medium which fixed the image as the wall dried. What’s fascinating here is that the fresco’s very materiality speaks to the social realities of the time. The technique itself, demanding quick, precise work, hints at the skilled labor involved. But look closer, and you'll notice how Lippi isn’t just depicting a biblical scene; he’s also giving us a glimpse into the domestic life of the era. The architectural setting, complete with carefully rendered columns and a detailed ceiling, speaks to the wealth and status of those who commissioned the work. This wasn't just art for art's sake; it was a statement of power, wealth, and piety, all fused together through the labor-intensive process of fresco painting. So, next time you look at a Renaissance fresco, remember that it is not only a beautiful image, but also a testament to the complex social and economic dynamics of its time.