Nature Adorning the Three Graces 1615

Peter Paul Rubens made this painting, Nature Adorning the Three Graces, with oil on wood. It’s an interesting combination. Rubens, a master of the oil medium, here decided to work on a wooden support, which is an older tradition, common when panel paintings were more fashionable. Look at how the wood grain influences the final image. Note the directionality of the grain which subtly influences the composition. The wood lends a warmth and texture to the whole surface that canvas simply wouldn’t provide. Beyond the material qualities, this choice speaks to the social context of production. Wood panel painting was associated with artisanal workshops and the tradition of the Old Masters. It also implies a high degree of planning and control, as wood panels are less forgiving than canvas. It's a beautiful example of how the choice of materials and processes can imbue an artwork with cultural meaning, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.