St. Mark Preaching in Alexandria (detail) 1507

Gentile Bellini painted this scene of St. Mark Preaching in Alexandria around 1505, using tempera on canvas. Tempera is a traditional painting medium using egg yolk as a binder, and was often applied in thin, translucent layers. Looking closely, we can see how the material influences the painting's appearance. Tempera yields a matte finish, allowing for precise detail, as evident in the depiction of the figures' robes, architectural embellishments, and the expressions on their faces. The artist has worked to represent a range of textiles, from the rich brocade to the simple woolen garments worn by the crowd, highlighting the economic disparities of the society he is representing. Bellini was not only a master of the tempera technique but also steeped in the social and cultural context of his time. The painting reflects Venice's intricate relationship with the East, as well as the socio-economic stratification of Venetian society. Considering the materials, techniques, and social context, this painting challenges the distinction between fine art and craft.