Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Reviving a Child 1525 - 1535

Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Reviving a Child, by Garofalo, was created using oil paint on wood panel. The smooth surface and luminous colors are typical of the Renaissance, achieved through careful layering of thin glazes. But think about this for a moment: Oil paint itself was a relatively new technology at the time, requiring specialized knowledge to produce. Pigments had to be ground and mixed with oil, a labor-intensive process. The wooden panel would have been prepared with gesso, a white coating that creates a smooth surface for painting. Gold leaf, another luxury material, was sometimes used for highlights. The making of this painting involved skilled labor and access to specific materials, reflecting the patronage system of the time. Artists like Garofalo relied on wealthy patrons to commission their work, and the materials they used were a sign of status. Considering these aspects of production gives us a richer understanding of the painting's meaning, connecting it to the social and economic context in which it was made.