Martyrdom of St Agnes 

Vicente Juan Masip painted "Martyrdom of St. Agnes" using oil on wood, a common pairing in 16th-century Europe. The wood support, likely local, would have been carefully selected, seasoned, and prepared to provide a stable ground for the paint layers. Oil paint, made from ground pigments suspended in linseed or walnut oil, allowed Masip to build up layers of color and detail with remarkable control. Consider how the smooth surface of the wood panel influences the crispness of the forms and the luminous quality of the colors. The meticulous layering and blending of oil paint demanded patience and skill, reflecting the artisanal traditions of the time. The value placed on the precious materials and the labor-intensive process speaks to the cultural significance of painting as both a devotional act and a display of wealth. By understanding the materials and making of this painting, we gain insight into the artistic practices, social values, and economic realities of Masip's world.