Resurrection of Christ 1430

"Resurrection of Christ" was painted by Master Francke using tempera and gold leaf on wood panel. Look closely at the gold background, this wasn’t just decoration, it was burnished and polished to catch and reflect light. This reflective surface would have brought a sense of ethereal divinity to the scene. Gold leaf was an expensive material, and its application a highly skilled process, reflecting the wealth and patronage behind this artwork. Francke has also used tempera, a paint made from egg yolk, to create the vibrant colors and fine details. Think about the labor involved in grinding pigments and mixing paints, this was no simple task, and speaks to a time when artistic creation was a slower, more deliberate process, far removed from the mass production of today. These materials and processes are all part of the meaning. By considering the making, we can better understand the cultural values and beliefs that shaped this powerful image.