Ambroise Et Cecile 

Stefan Lochner created this panel painting of Ambroise Et Cecile in the 15th century using tempera on wood. Looking closely, you can see that Lochner has built up the forms through careful layering. Tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, dries quickly, allowing for precise detail. The gold leaf, applied meticulously to create the halos and embellishments, would have been burnished to a radiant sheen. The cost of these materials alone indicates the wealth of the patron who commissioned it. The painting’s smooth surfaces and vibrant colors reflect the artist’s mastery of his medium. Yet beyond the refined technique, the painting also embodies the social and religious values of the period. The labor-intensive process of creating such a work, from grinding pigments to applying delicate gold leaf, was a testament to faith and dedication. Considering the materials, making, and context helps us understand the artwork’s full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.