The Mystic Marriage of St Rose of Lima 1666 - 1670

Lazzaro Baldi created this oil on copper panel depicting The Mystic Marriage of St Rose of Lima sometime in the 17th century. Baldi prepared this copper support with layers of gesso to create a smooth ground for the painting. From there, he applied thin layers of oil paint to build up the composition, modelling forms and creating a luminous effect. The choice of copper as a support is particularly interesting. Unlike canvas, which was becoming increasingly popular at the time, copper offers a smooth, non-absorbent surface. It allowed Baldi to achieve a high level of detail and a polished finish. Copper panels like this one would have been luxury items, requiring specialised knowledge to prepare. Its use here suggests that the patron valued meticulous workmanship. By understanding the materials and processes behind this artwork, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artist's skill, and the social context in which it was created.