The sleeping Antiope approached by Jupiter 

Jacob Jordaens created "The Sleeping Antiope Approached by Jupiter" using oil paints on canvas, a standard practice among Baroque painters. The material qualities of oil paint—its ability to blend smoothly, capture light, and create realistic textures—allowed Jordaens to create a scene filled with sensuality and drama. The fleshy tones of Antiope's skin, the rich folds of the drapery, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow all speak to Jordaens' mastery of the medium. The layered application of paint allowed the artist to build up the forms gradually, achieving a sense of depth and volume. This approach, typical of the Baroque period, contrasts with the smooth, polished surfaces of earlier Renaissance painting. The painting also references the economic structures of artistic patronage during this time, with artists like Jordaens relying on commissions from wealthy patrons to support their studio practices. Ultimately, appreciating the materiality of the artwork helps us to consider not only the artist's skill, but also the social and economic context in which it was created.