Altar of St. John the Baptist 1520

Hans Baldung painted this *Altar of St. John the Baptist* in oil on wood panels, using traditional artist materials and techniques. The panels are remarkably smooth, demonstrating Baldung’s mastery of oil painting. The wood provides a stable surface, while the oil allows for meticulous detail and vibrant colors. The way he mixed and layered his paints, and the tools he used, all contributed to its overall appearance. The smooth surfaces of the panels are not only a testament to Baldung's skill, but also to the value placed on craftsmanship during the Renaissance. This level of detail required a great deal of time, patience, and a studio system of labor; apprentices would have assisted in the preparation of paints, and the execution of less critical passages. The commission of artworks like this one was a major economic activity. Understanding the making of an object, the labor involved, and the economic relationships it represents gives us insight into the wider context of its creation, and helps us appreciate the layers of meaning embedded within.