Saint Christopher c. 15th century

Editor: This anonymous painting, “Saint Christopher,” depicts a towering figure wading through water. The use of gold leaf really strikes me. What can you tell me about the materials and their impact? Curator: The use of gold leaf speaks volumes. It wasn't just about aesthetics; it reflected the economic investment in religious imagery. Who was commissioning this, and what message did that gilded surface send about their power and piety through conspicuous consumption? Editor: So, the materials themselves communicate a lot about the historical context. Curator: Exactly. And the labor involved – from the mining of the gold to its meticulous application – that’s all part of the story this artwork tells about social structures. Editor: I never thought about art history in that way. It's fascinating.