The Continence of Scipio 1600

Karel van Mander painted The Continence of Scipio using oil on panel. Van Mander has used his skills to create a sweeping scene from antiquity, and the material qualities of oil paint play a crucial role. The way the figures recede into the distance, the atmospheric rendering of light, and the varied textures of skin, fabric, and foliage – all are enabled by oil paint’s capacity for blending and layering. The use of oil paint signals the importance of the artwork, placing it within a lineage of fine art. Yet we might also note the labor involved in the production of this image. From the grinding of pigments to the application of delicate glazes, the painting reflects the physical work of the artist. Considering the processes by which this painting was created encourages us to reflect on the value of skilled work, and the ways in which artistic labor is often overlooked. It prompts us to think more broadly about the social context in which the artwork was created.