St Mark 

Titian made this painting of St. Mark in Venice, using oil paint on canvas. Look closely at the brushwork; Titian uses broad strokes, especially in the saint's white robe, giving it a sense of volume and texture. Oil paint enabled artists like Titian to build up layers of color and tone. The application of oil paint, unlike earlier tempera techniques, allowed for corrections and reworkings; observe the artist's fingerprints embedded in the paint! Titian's methods involved a sophisticated understanding of materials, using the qualities of the medium to create depth and luminosity. This work represents the skilled labor and artistic expertise that Titian brought to his craft. Consider too, the labor involved in the canvas support, the preparation of pigments by workshop assistants, and the sophisticated market that allowed an artist like Titian to sustain a thriving studio. By understanding the rich context of materials and making, we can fully appreciate the significance of the artwork.