Saint Michael Presenting a Donor to Christ as Salvator Mundi 1397 - 1413

This small devotional image was made in the Southern Netherlands, likely in the 15th century, using pigments and gold leaf on parchment. The artist has applied their knowledge of manuscript illumination, which involved grinding pigments from minerals and plants, mixing them with a binder, and applying them meticulously with fine brushes. The vibrant colors and delicate details owe much to the materials themselves. The deep blues likely came from lapis lazuli, a precious stone imported from Afghanistan, while the gold leaf would have been painstakingly hammered to achieve its thinness. These materials weren't just chosen for their beauty; they were signifiers of wealth and status, reflecting the patron's ability to afford such luxury. Consider too, the labor involved in preparing the parchment, grinding the pigments, and applying the gold leaf. This was skilled work, undertaken within a highly structured workshop setting. The division of labor in the art's production reflects the social and economic systems of the time. Looking at the material, making, and context lets us appreciate the full meaning of this small, but precious artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.