Christ Blessing 1306 - 1316

Segna di Buonaventura created this panel of "Christ Blessing" in the early 1300s, using tempera paint and gold leaf on wood. Look closely at the gold leaf, carefully applied to create a shimmering halo and background. This wasn't merely decorative. Gilding was a specialized craft, requiring meticulous skill. The layering of gold suggests both the divine light and the wealth of the patron who commissioned the work. Tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, lends the painting its characteristic luminosity and fine detail, requiring patience and precision to apply. The work's physical presence speaks to a world where art was deeply embedded in craft traditions and material value. This wasn't simply a painting; it was a carefully constructed object, demanding time, skill, and precious materials. Recognizing the labor and resources involved enriches our appreciation, challenging any separation between "art" and "craft".