St. Sebastian 

Luca Giordano painted this depiction of St. Sebastian, using oil on canvas, during the late 17th century. The painting demonstrates a dynamic use of line and a keen attention to texture, with bold brushwork bringing the scene to life. Giordano's technique is a blend of traditional and innovative approaches. He employs classical methods of layering and glazing to achieve depth and realism, yet he also incorporates looser, more expressive brushstrokes that anticipate later developments in painting. The canvas itself bears witness to the artist's hand, with the visible texture adding a tactile dimension to the work. In the 17th century, the creation of such a large-scale painting would have involved a team of assistants. The grinding of pigments, preparation of the canvas, and application of the initial layers were all labor-intensive tasks. Understanding the processes, the materiality, and the making that went into it gives us a greater appreciation.