The Deaths of Saul and Jonathan 1554

Francesco Salviati painted "The Deaths of Saul and Jonathan," using the fresco technique, where pigments are applied to wet plaster. The immediacy and scale of fresco imbue the scene with drama. The tactile nature of the medium is evident in the rough texture and visible brushwork. Notice the dynamism in the composition. The scene bursts forth from the wall, engaging us in the heat of battle. Fresco demands speed and precision. Each section must be completed before the plaster dries. The artist would have had assistants preparing the plaster, grinding pigments, and transferring the design to the wall. This division of labor reflects the hierarchical workshop system prevalent during the Renaissance. The fresco captures not just a biblical scene, but also the Renaissance workshop's collaborative process and the importance of skilled craftsmanship. It challenges the notion of the artist as a solitary genius. Instead, it recognizes the collective effort and materiality inherent in creating such a monumental work.