Bertuccio's Bride 

Edward Robert Hughes created this painting, Bertuccio's Bride, with oil on canvas, using meticulous brushstrokes and a vibrant color palette. These materials, typical of fine art, are employed here to depict a scene of high romance, but also perhaps compromised labor and class. Hughes' attention to detail – evident in the shimmering fabrics, gleaming metalwork, and the lush forest setting – speaks to the influence of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood. Yet, it also hints at the social realities of the time. The painting process, while demanding great skill and time, is somewhat removed from the actual labor implied by the painting. Who mined the metal to make the ornate objects displayed on the ground? Who wove the delicate fabric of the bride’s gown? By focusing on such questions, we begin to see the painting less as a simple depiction of love and more as a reflection on the complex interplay between wealth, power, and the often-invisible labor that makes it all possible. This approach challenges the traditional art historical focus on the artist's genius, and instead emphasizes the importance of considering the broader context of making and consumption.