The Holy Family with Mary Magdalene and the infant saint John 1520

Palma Vecchio made this oil painting of the Holy Family, around 1520, using traditional materials. Looking closely, the smooth, luminous surfaces are due to the slow layering of thin, translucent glazes. This was a common technique in the Renaissance, and required the artist to grind their own pigments and mix them with oil, a labor-intensive process in itself. The materiality of the paint is also important to the way the figures are depicted. The colors are rich and vibrant, and the subtle gradations of light and shadow create a sense of depth and volume. The figures appear idealized, with smooth skin, flowing hair, and elegant drapery. While we appreciate the beauty and skill that went into this picture, it's important to remember the context of its production. The painting would have been commissioned by a wealthy patron. In a sense, it's a testament to the complex relationship between artistic labor, religious devotion, and economic power.