Abraham Leaves Haran 1560 - 1592

Francesco Bassano the Younger made this oil on canvas painting called 'Abraham Leaves Haran', sometime in the late 16th century. The materials are traditional for the time, but their application tells us a lot. Look at the rough, uneven brushwork, especially in the background. This wasn't just about depicting a biblical scene; it was about the very act of painting. You can almost feel Bassano wrestling with the viscous oil paint, building up layers to create depth and texture. Notice too how the artist has rendered the metal pots and pans, giving them a worn, tactile quality. They speak of everyday life, of labor, of the basic necessities that Abraham and his family would have carried with them. The painting isn't just a religious depiction; it's also a snapshot of 16th-century life, with all its attendant practicalities. So, next time you look at a painting, remember it's not just about the image. It's about the materials, the making, and the social context that gave it life.