The Road to Calvary 

Pieter Brueghel the Younger made this painting with oil on panel. The smooth, reflective surface allows for intricate details, like the textures of clothing and the expressions on faces. Brueghel meticulously layered paint to build up the scene, creating a sense of depth and realism. The making of this painting involves skilled labor. Brueghel would have started with a gessoed wood panel, carefully preparing the surface to receive the paint. He then applied thin layers of oil paint, patiently building up the composition. This was a time-consuming process, requiring technical skill and artistic vision. In the 16th and 17th centuries, artistic workshops would have been a vital link in the chain of production and economic activity. Paying attention to the material qualities and making processes helps us appreciate the craftsmanship involved and also sheds light on the broader social and economic context in which Brueghel operated.