Madonna and Child with Angels 1515

Correggio painted this "Madonna and Child with Angels" on panel, using oil paint, sometime in the early 16th century. Oil paint was itself a relatively new medium at this point, prized for its ability to render minute details and smooth surfaces. Looking closely, you can see the characteristic effects achieved by Correggio; the soft focus, the subtle gradations of color and tone, and the overall impression of gentle, enveloping light. All this was only achievable with a slow, layered painting technique, and an expert understanding of the way that pigments behave in oil. This kind of highly refined skill didn't come easy. It reflected a long apprenticeship, and the careful management of a workshop. The value of the painting was directly connected to the labor that went into it. So next time you look at an Old Master painting, remember the importance of materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.