The Angel Leaving the House of Tobias c. 1662

Salvator Rosa painted this scene from the Book of Tobit in oil on canvas sometime in the mid-17th century. Rosa applied the oil paint in layers. We can tell how the paint was applied to the surface, thanks to the varied brushstrokes. Some areas, like the angel's robes, are smooth and blended, giving the impression of soft, flowing fabric. Other areas, such as the wings, are built from many shorter strokes. The colour palette is mostly earth tones, ochre, and browns, creating a warm and dramatic atmosphere, with the white of the angel drawing the eye. Rosa skillfully used a variety of techniques, blending and scumbling, to create a dynamic texture. The materiality and the application of the paint gives the scene depth, emotion and movement, which is the artist's labor and skill brought to the canvas. This work highlights the interplay of materials, process, and skilled tradition in producing meaningful artwork, which is more than just image making.