The Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua 17th century

This large canvas painting, The Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua, uses oil paint to create a scene of heavenly wonder. Look closely, and you'll notice how the artist used the qualities of the oil paint to build up the image. The layering of paint gives depth to the figures and their garments, with some areas thickly applied to catch the light, and other areas thinly veiled to create soft, luminous shadows. Notice how the artist's method captures the textures of cloth and skin, particularly in the saint's humble robe and the delicate flesh of the Christ child. Painting in oil was not just a technical skill, but a social one, too. Artists of the time were often supported by wealthy patrons, and were well-versed in the narratives and ideas about their work. In this context, this painting is the product of a complex relationship between artistic labor, religious narrative, and economic support. Paying attention to the materials and the making helps us appreciate this artwork as a product of its time.