Portrait of the Physician Carlo Fontana 1575

Bartolomeo Passerotti created this oil on canvas portrait of the physician Carlo Fontana, but the date of its making is unknown. Here, the artist makes the material of paint subservient to the representation, opting for a naturalistic style. But let’s consider the making of it. Oil paint consists of powdered pigment mixed with linseed or walnut oil, demanding considerable labor to grind and mix. Its slow drying time allows for subtle blending and layering, seen in the modeling of Fontana’s face and hands. Consider too, the canvas itself: woven from flax, stretched, and primed to receive the paint. The skilled hand is evident not only in the artistry, but also the preparation. The skull, and the book, rendered with similar care, signal Fontana’s profession, while the dark, simple clothing contrasts with the fine ring on his finger, indicating his status. Looking closely at this portrait, we can appreciate the material and social conditions that made it possible. The painting goes beyond surface appearances, inviting us to consider the complex intersection of labor, skill, and representation.