Angels (detail) 1470

This detail of angels was painted by Pietro Perugino using oil on panel. Here, the application of layers upon layers of translucent glazes on the panel support results in a luminous visual effect, which suggests the ethereal and otherworldly presence of angels. Perugino mastered the craft of oil painting, skillfully mixing pigments with oil to achieve nuanced shades and tones. The angels' garments flow and drape in a way that suggests a mastery of the medium's possibilities. Oil painting in the Renaissance was not just a technique, but a complex process that demanded extensive labor and skill. The preparation of materials, the grinding of pigments, and the application of paint required both time and expertise. The use of oil paint allowed for greater realism and detail, and also served to elevate the status of the artwork. The importance of materials, making, and context are essential in understanding the full meaning of the artwork, therefore challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.