Deposition (detail) 1548

Francesco Salviati painted this panel of the Deposition, using oil on wood, in Florence, at an unknown date. Oil painting allowed Salviati to build up the figures through layers of glazing. Look closely, and you'll see how the material influences the image’s appearance. The smooth texture and blending of oil paint is evident in the delicate rendering of skin tones, drapery, and the rocky landscape. Creating such a painting involved many artisans. It all begins with carpenters who would have prepared the wooden support. Following this, pigment-makers would have ground precious minerals for Salviati to mix with oil. And of course the highly skilled artist himself who would have spent hours working on the composition and details to create such a stunning painting. Considering the materials, making, and context helps us appreciate the painting's full meaning, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.