Saint Dominic 1476

Carlo Crivelli painted this panel of Saint Dominic in the 15th century using tempera on wood. The work evokes the religious fervor of its time while hinting at the complex institutional history that shaped its creation. Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order, is portrayed with his hands clasped in prayer and attired in the somber robes characteristic of his order. Crivelli was working in the region of Venice at this time, an area deeply influenced by the Catholic Church and its many monastic orders. His presence and commissions reflect the Church's role as a major patron of the arts, using images to reinforce religious doctrine and inspire devotion. The artist was reliant on the Church, as were many artists, for both their income and their social standing. Looking closely at this image, we see an opportunity to examine the social conditions that shaped artistic production in the Renaissance. By exploring period documents, such as church records and artists' contracts, we can more fully appreciate the symbiotic relationship between artistic creation and institutional power.