The Punishment of the Arrogant Niobe by Diana and Apollo 1767 - 1777

Pierre Charles Jombert painted "The Punishment of the Arrogant Niobe by Diana and Apollo" using oil on paper in the late 18th century. Notice how Jombert used fluid brushwork to capture the dramatic scene from Greek mythology. The quick, loose strokes convey a sense of spontaneity, a hallmark of the Rococo period. Oil paint allowed Jombert to achieve this painterly effect, blending colors and creating soft transitions. But let's also consider the economic context. Oil paints, though refined, were becoming increasingly accessible, fueling a broader art market. This piece, while depicting a grand subject, is rendered on paper, suggesting a study or preparatory work. It reflects a shift in artistic production, where even mythological scenes were subject to the demands of the market. The social context of the work is the shift away from the grand narrative of religious painting, towards the tastes of private collectors. The materiality and making of this work connects it to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By looking closely at the materials and processes, we can appreciate how Jombert balanced artistic expression with the realities of his time.