Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist 1506 - 1507

Francesco Granacci painted “Scenes from the Life of Saint John the Baptist” in oil on wood, sometime in the early 16th century. The smooth finish we see here belies the labor and skill involved in its making. Preparing the wood panel was the first step. Then, Granacci would have carefully built up layers of paint, grinding pigments by hand, and mixing them with oil to achieve the luminous colors. The vivid blues would have been especially costly, likely made from lapis lazuli imported from far away. Note how the architecture and figures are rendered with precision, showcasing Granacci’s mastery of perspective. Although he was working with traditional materials, he was at the forefront of artistic innovation. Artists like Granacci were highly valued for their abilities, yet were also dependent on the patronage of wealthy elites. The painting reflects the economic system of the time, where artistic production was intertwined with wealth and religious power. So, next time you look at an old painting, think about all the work that went into it, and how that work was valued.