Biblical Scene 

Here is a painting of a biblical scene, made by Ferdinand Bol in the 17th century using oil on canvas. The texture and colors of Bol's painting are very much connected to the materials he was using. Oil paint enabled the layering of color, creating a rich and luminous effect, particularly noticeable in the robes of the figures. Consider the physical labor involved in producing such a painting in the 17th century, from preparing the canvas to grinding pigments. Bol belonged to the historical moment of the Dutch Masters, when art was beginning to function more like an open market. Though the making of the work may appear distant from issues of labor and consumption, we can begin to connect the painting to the era's economy of production. By recognizing the materials, modes of production, and historical context, we can understand the full meaning of the work, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.