Woman with Shield 1540 - 1570

Woman with Shield was painted by Lambert Sustris sometime between 1510 and 1560, using oil on a wood panel. The grain of the wood is clearly visible through the paint, and the gesso ground is cracking, revealing the artwork's age and the physical properties of the materials. The artist used thin layers of paint to build up the image, a technique known as glazing. This allows light to pass through the layers, creating a luminous effect. The colors are muted, which adds to the painting's sense of antiquity. Sustris's painting is full of texture, which is enhanced by the way the paint has been applied. The brushstrokes are visible, adding to the sense of movement and energy. Paintings like these were not just about artistic skill; they were also about accessing materials and managing labor. The production of oil paint, the preparation of the panel, and the time required to create the painting all reflect the economics of artistic creation. Looking closely at the materials and processes used in its creation helps us understand this work of art more fully.