The Baptism of Christ 1475

The Baptism of Christ was created by Andrea del Verrocchio, a Florentine sculptor, goldsmith and painter, using tempera on panel. Verrocchio, like other Renaissance masters, ran a workshop – more like a small factory than a studio. Division of labor was key; it’s believed that he assigned the background and one of the angels to his young apprentice, Leonardo da Vinci. The materiality is key, the smooth gesso ground, prepared by yet another artisan, would have been built up in many layers, rubbed to a perfect surface. Tempera paint, made with egg yolk, allowed for meticulous detail. But it's also a product of its time, reflecting the guild system that dominated artistic production in Florence. The guilds controlled the training of artists, the quality of materials, and the prices of artworks. This system ensured that art was a carefully regulated trade, balancing individual expression with collective standards and economic realities. So, when you look at this painting, think about the many hands and materials involved in its creation, and the socio-economic structures that shaped its production. It’s a collaborative effort, reflecting the complex interplay of individual skill and collective labor.