Portrait of a Woman 1495 - 1500

Wolfgang Beurer made this oil on wood panel, titled 'Portrait of a Woman'. The choice of materials and the way they are handled are so telling. Oil paint, applied in thin layers, was prized during the Renaissance for its ability to capture light and texture. Beurer uses it here to render the woman's face with a remarkable realism, carefully modeling the subtle contours and capturing the individual character of her features. The work’s smooth surface, achieved through meticulous application, speaks to the artist's skill and the value placed on refined craftsmanship during this period. The choice of a wood panel as a support was a common practice at the time, influencing the overall stability and preservation of the artwork, contributing to its longevity. Consider how these materials—oil paint and wood—were traded commodities, connecting the painting to broader economic networks. Examining these material connections offers a richer understanding of the work and its place in history, and challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.