Lady in throne with Child between the saints and John Augustine 1494

This painting, "Lady in throne with Child between the saints and John Augustine," was made by Pietro Perugino, likely in his workshop, using tempera or oil on wood. The material itself gives a rich, luminous quality to the colors, particularly the deep reds and blues. Consider that each layer of paint has to be applied meticulously, and allowed to dry. There's real labor involved. Artists like Perugino relied on assistants to grind pigments, prepare the wood panel, and even paint certain areas, reflecting the workshop system prevalent at the time. This division of labor allowed for increased production, meeting the growing demand for religious art from wealthy patrons. The pursuit of such art drove the economy for luxury goods, so it isn't just about devotion. It's tied to social hierarchies, and the conspicuous consumption of beautiful things. Looking closely at the panel, we can appreciate that art isn't made in isolation. The context in which it's produced is key to unlocking its full meaning.