The Moulins Triptych (detail) 1499

This is a detail from the Moulins Triptych, painted in the late fifteenth century by Jean Hey. It's an oil painting, which means that powdered pigments were mixed with linseed or walnut oil. Look closely and you can see Hey’s incredible skill. Oil paint allowed for the mixing of colors, and gradual layering and blending. Observe the subject’s headdress. Notice the contrast between the crisp white fabric and the velvety yellow. Hey’s skill allowed him to bring out the texture of the different materials, and create a vivid portrait. Consider the labor and materials involved, from grinding and mixing pigments, to the many layers of paint painstakingly applied. The opulence of the subject’s brooch and dress speak to the status of the person depicted. Oil paintings like this were luxury objects, commissioned by wealthy patrons who valued artistry and the materials it required. This work invites us to appreciate the skill of the painter and the value of the materials he worked with.