Head of a Bearded Man (Nicodemus) 1577 - 1660

Giacomo Cavedone painted this head of Nicodemus in oil on canvas, likely in Bologna in the early 17th century. Cavedone built this image from the ground up, layering thin glazes of pigment to create a sense of depth and volume. Note the thick impasto of the beard, applied with confident brushstrokes, and the more subtle blending of tones in the face. The artist's skilled handling of the oil paint is key to conveying the subject's humanity. Oil painting in early modern Europe was both craft and industry. From grinding pigments to preparing the canvas, the labor involved was significant. The cost of materials meant that painting was often a commission-based practice, supported by wealthy patrons. Considering the artistic and social context of Cavedone’s process enables us to appreciate the skill and effort required to produce such a compelling image, challenging distinctions between art, craft, and the economic realities of artistic production.