Madonna and Child 1450

Petrus Christus painted this ‘Madonna and Child’ on a wood panel with oil paint in the 15th century, a new technique at the time. Oil paint allowed Christus to build up layers of translucent glazes, creating an incredible sense of depth and luminosity. Look closely at the textures of the fabrics, like the heavy folds of the monk's robe, or the delicate sheen of the Madonna's mantle. Christus was part of a generation of early Netherlandish painters who were masters of illusionism. Oil paint was the perfect medium to achieve this, and was highly prized. The cost of such detail and realism was labor. The grinding of pigments, mixing of oils, and application of thin layers required patience, precision, and many hours of skilled work. This combination of materiality and labor elevates the humble panel into a devotional object, full of social meaning. By considering the materials and processes used, we can appreciate Christus's technical virtuosity and understand the cultural significance of this small, yet impressive, painting.