Madonna with Trees 1487

'Madonna with Trees' was made by Giovanni Bellini in Venice, using oil paint on wood panel. Bellini worked at a time when oil paint was still a relatively new medium, valued for its rich color and smooth finish. Looking closely, you can see how he built up thin layers of pigment, a technique called glazing, to create a luminous effect, particularly in the Madonna's blue robe. The wood panel support would have been prepared with gesso, a white ground that provided a smooth surface for painting. The process required careful handwork, transforming raw materials into a refined object, elevating it beyond mere craft. Bellini and his workshop understood how to take advantage of the materiality of oil paint and wood to create an artwork of enduring beauty. It is through the convergence of material, process, and skillful execution, that Bellini has created a lasting impact on the history of art.