The death of Julius Caesar 

Vincenzo Camuccini painted "The Death of Julius Caesar" in the early 19th century using oil paints. The painting’s material qualities, like the smooth application of paint, work in concert with its subject matter. Camuccini aimed to convey the solemnity of the moment, which in turn reflected the Neoclassical ideals of the time. The method of painting, of course, has everything to do with this artwork. The creation of oil paint involved skilled labor, from grinding pigments to mixing them with oil, and the crafting of brushes. It was a process far removed from the drama of the scene, yet it was crucial to its depiction. It is important to remember that Camuccini came from a family of artists, and inherited their know-how in materials and processes. The materials and making carry significant weight, reminding us that art is not just about the image, but also the physical, social and economic processes behind it. The painting encourages us to look beyond the surface and recognize the connections between labor, skill, and artistic expression.