St. John the Baptist and Saints 1493

Cima da Conegliano, in the late 15th or early 16th century, painted "St. John the Baptist and Saints" using oil on panel. This work showcases the materiality of oil paint, with its capacity to build luminous layers of color. The slow, meticulous process of oil painting allowed Conegliano to achieve a porcelain-like surface, demanding immense patience and skill. Note how this technique captures the textures of cloth, skin, and stone with remarkable fidelity. The painting's social significance lies in its demonstration of both artistic and artisan skill. The artist was deeply engaged with the prevailing modes of production, where artistic skill was not separate from craftsmanship. The act of creating such a piece involved not only artistic vision, but also physical labor, reflecting the interconnectedness of art, craft, and the broader social context. The very making of this painting challenges distinctions between fine art and craft.