Motet for the Day of Pentecost 1982

Bo Bartlett created this painting with oil on canvas, a process stretching back centuries, connecting him to a tradition of skilled craftsmanship. The weight and texture of the oil paint allowed Bartlett to build up layers, creating rich colors and luminous effects that capture the intimacy of the scene. The choice of canvas as a support further emphasizes the connection to traditional art practices. The artist’s hand is evident in the brushstrokes that define the drapery and the delicate rendering of the figures' faces, reminding us of the labor and skill involved in creating such a detailed image. It challenges the notion that art exists solely in the realm of intellectual ideas. Instead, it highlights the value of dedicated craft and the way in which social context and material production shape our understanding of art history.