The Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek c. 1626

Peter Paul Rubens painted this monumental canvas, "The Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek," using oil paint, a mixture of pigment and oil, applied in layers to build up color and form. Rubens masterfully exploits the materiality of oil paint to create a dynamic composition, look at the textures he creates. Notice the contrast between the smooth skin of the figures and the rough texture of the soldiers' armor. Consider the physicality of the artist's labor, each brushstroke adding to the overall effect, and reflecting the intense work involved in such a large-scale creation. The painting is a record of skilled craftsmanship and the social structures that supported it. Here, Rubens wasn't just a painter, but also a workshop manager who organized a team of assistants. This mode of production mirrors the broader economic systems of his time. Ultimately, Rubens's painting challenges traditional hierarchies of art by demonstrating the importance of both skill and materials in conveying meaning and social context.