Saint Cajetan Appeasing Divine Anger 

Francesco Solimena created this oil painting, Saint Cajetan Appeasing Divine Anger, in the Baroque style. The artist would have prepared his canvas meticulously, layering gesso to create a smooth surface. From there, he would slowly build up the composition, beginning with loose sketches using charcoal or chalk, and then applying thin layers of oil paint, a technique known as glazing, to achieve vibrant colors and subtle gradations of light and shadow. The painting features figures that emerge from a celestial realm and gather around Saint Cajetan, who gestures upwards. The intense labor required for such an ambitious composition underscores the value placed on artistry in this period. Oil paintings, as luxury goods, were made for patrons who wanted to convey their sophistication, wealth, and status. Recognizing the amount of labor required to produce the work invites us to look more closely at the socio-economic context in which it was made. Ultimately, appreciating the material and making of this artwork allows us to challenge conventional boundaries between art history, craft, and design.