Saint Martin of Tours Healing the Servant of Tetrodius c. 1630

Jacob Jordaens rendered Saint Martin of Tours Healing the Servant of Tetrodius with pen, brown ink and watercolor. The fluidity of ink and watercolor allows the artist to capture the drama of the scene, in what appears to be a very quick and expressive manner. Jordaens effectively uses the media to capture movement, and imbue the work with texture, from the saint's robes to the suffering servant's body. The processes employed here belong to the tradition of drawing, but also reflect the skilled hand of the artist. The artwork's cultural significance lies in its ability to convey a narrative through the careful application of ink and watercolor. Jordaens draws upon the tradition of religious painting while showcasing the inherent qualities of his chosen media. The quick, expressive strokes and the use of light and shadow demonstrate a masterful understanding of the materials. This elevates the work beyond a mere illustration of a biblical story. By appreciating the materiality of the artwork, we gain a deeper understanding of its creation and the artist's skill, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.