Saint Andrew 

Anthony van Dyck created this painting of Saint Andrew using oil paints applied to a canvas. As common as these materials seem today, the making of paint was a labor-intensive process in the 17th century, with pigments sourced from across the globe and carefully mixed with oils. Van Dyck’s masterful application of these materials gives the painting its striking appearance. Notice the varied brushstrokes, from the smooth blending in the saint's face to the rough, impasto texture of his beard and hair. The way the paint is layered creates a sense of depth and movement, almost as if the saint is emerging from the darkness. Skilled workshops would have been crucial in preparing the materials and assisting with the painting process, highlighting the collaborative nature of art production at the time. Considering the materials, the making, and the context gives us a fuller understanding of this artwork.