Sacrifice of Isaac 

Domenico Beccafumi made this artwork in the 16th century using sgraffito. This technique involves applying layers of plaster tinted in different colours to a surface, then scratching or incising the upper layers to reveal the colours beneath. Sgraffito offers a fascinating connection between the artwork and the labor that went into its making. It demands meticulous preparation and skilled execution. Each line and shade is the result of careful carving, a process far removed from the spontaneous brushstrokes of painting. Here, the sepia-toned surface has been intricately carved, each line precisely articulated. The soft modeling of the figures, the textures of the landscape, and the dramatic tension of the biblical scene are all achieved through the controlled removal of material. Beccafumi has elevated a humble technique to monumental scale, bridging the gap between craft and fine art. So, as you look at this piece, consider the physical effort, the planning, and the sheer mastery required to bring it to life.