Portrait Of Giuliano De Medici. Procession of the Magus Caspar (detail) 1461

Benozzo Gozzoli painted this fresco of Giuliano de Medici as part of a larger series in the late 15th century, using traditional pigments applied to wet plaster. The vibrant colors and meticulous details were achieved through a combination of natural mineral pigments, ground and mixed with water, and applied with brushes of varying sizes. The fresco technique itself is a testament to both skill and labor, requiring careful preparation of the plaster surface and a rapid execution of the painting before the plaster dries. Each color has been added individually, building up layer by layer to create a rich tapestry of textures and tones. The materiality of the fresco, with its earthy pigments and tactile surface, serves as a reminder of the physical labor involved in its creation, as well as the cultural significance of the work. By emphasizing the value of craft and skill, Gozzoli elevates the status of the artwork beyond mere decoration, imbuing it with social and cultural meaning.