St Francis with an Angel Playing Violin 

Guercino painted "St Francis with an Angel Playing Violin" using oil on canvas, a common method for the period. The qualities of oil paint allow for an interesting contrast in visual texture. Look at how the light is captured, reflecting off the angel's form, the instrument, and the saint's worn habit. Then notice the dark recesses of the landscape in the background. This is a classic example of chiaroscuro, made possible by the inherent viscosity of the paint. It's important to consider the labor involved in the overall production, from the making of the canvas and the grinding of pigments, to the artist's skilled handling. Guercino would have been an entrepreneur, running a workshop with many assistants. So the hand you see here is not only his own, but also those of his studio. By considering the materiality of this piece, we can better understand the cultural and social context in which it was created. It challenges distinctions between art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the skill and labor involved in its creation.