The Baptism of Christ 1645 - 1655

Sebastien Bourdon’s “The Baptism of Christ” was created using oil paint on canvas, a technique that by the 17th century was considered the gold standard for European painting. Bourdon has achieved a remarkable range of effects, from the luminous flesh of the figures to the diaphanous clouds above, and the silky drapery held by the angels. But let’s consider the labor involved in producing such a painting. The canvas had to be woven, sized, and stretched. Pigments would be mined or manufactured and then carefully ground with oil to create paints. Brushes were made from animal hair. And all of this before Bourdon even began to express his artistic vision. In the end, the quality of materials and the intensive skilled work of painting elevates the religious scene. So, next time you look at an Old Master painting, remember that it is more than just an image. It's a record of human ingenuity, skill, and labor.