Martyrdom of St. Andrew (introduction to the Crucifixion) 1608

Guido Reni created this large canvas depicting the Martyrdom of St. Andrew using oil paints, the go-to material for ambitious painters in the 17th century. Reni's skilled application of paint creates a world of stark contrasts, between the pale, almost porcelain-like skin of the figures and the rough texture of the landscape. Look closely, and you'll notice how the figures are arranged with a theatrical precision. This technique reflects both Reni's own artistic mastery, as well as the labor that went into producing the pigment. The cost of ultramarine, for example, derived from the precious stone lapis lazuli, would have been considerable. This investment highlights the economic system that sustained artists like Reni. By focusing on the material reality of this painting, we can move beyond the narrative and consider the complex interplay of labor, patronage, and artistic skill that shaped its creation.