St. Bernard of Clairvaux 1440

Fra Angelico created this panel painting of St. Bernard of Clairvaux using tempera on wood, a common technique in the 15th century. Tempera involves mixing pigment with a binder, typically egg yolk, which results in a fast-drying, matte finish. Look closely, and you’ll see how Angelico meticulously layered the paint to build up form and texture. The gold leaf halo, hammered and applied separately, shimmers, catching the light. Tempera requires precision and skill, demanding careful preparation of both the materials and the surface. The wood panel would have been gessoed, sanded, and burnished to create a smooth ground for painting. The work involved speaks to a highly specialized workshop environment, typical of the Renaissance, where the division of labor ensured the highest standards of quality. Considering the materials and processes used in its creation, it becomes clear that this is a testament to artistic skill, labor, and devotion.