Madonna with a Bishop and St. Onuphrius 1508

Lorenzo Lotto painted "Madonna with a Bishop and St. Onuphrius" in oil on panel in the early 16th century. It’s worth reflecting on the nature of oil paint itself. During this time, oil paint was made by hand in the artist’s studio, grinding dry pigments into linseed oil, a labor-intensive process, directly involving the hand of the artist. The color palette Lotto deploys is rich and vibrant, achieved through the careful application of these hand-mixed paints. The bishop’s elaborate vestments and the folds of the Madonna’s robes are rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing Lotto's command of the medium, and reflecting the values of the culture from which it emerged. This wasn't merely about representation; it was a demonstration of skill, artistry, and the value placed on these qualities by patrons and society alike. Looking at this painting is a good reminder that every artwork is the product of both material and social relations.