Triptych 1605

This Triptych was made in Italy by Annibale Carracci, using oil on copper panels. Triptychs have a long tradition in religious art, often functioning as portable altarpieces. Copper, in particular, was favored for its smooth surface, which allowed for precise detailing, and for its durability. Carracci masterfully uses the medium to capture the emotional intensity of the scene, the Lamentation of Christ. The choice of copper as a support is not merely aesthetic. It reflects a sophisticated understanding of materials and their inherent qualities, but it also suggests a patron of considerable means, someone who could afford such a precious and relatively new type of support. The metal would have required special preparation, and its use signals a departure from traditional panel or canvas painting. The smooth, reflective surface of the copper also subtly enhances the luminosity of the colors. Looking at this work, we’re invited to consider the significance of materials and making, rather than just the subject matter. It challenges conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.