Adoration of the Magi c. 16th century

Titian painted this Adoration of the Magi using oil paints, likely grinding his own pigments and mixing them with linseed or walnut oil. These were traditional materials, but the way he applied them was all his own. Look closely at the density of the paint, especially in the figures' robes. Notice the fluid brushstrokes and thin application of paint, almost like a wash. Titian built up layers of color and tone to create a sense of depth, form, and drama. The painting's surface is textural, a testament to the labor involved in its creation. Consider too, the wider economy of artistic production. Titian would have overseen a workshop of assistants who prepared canvases, mixed paints, and even contributed to the painting itself. This collaborative method was common at the time, reflecting the integration of art production and capitalism, even in the Renaissance. Ultimately, understanding the materials and making of this work encourages us to see beyond its subject matter and appreciate the artist's skill, labor, and the context in which it was made.