Saint George, after Vittore Carpaccio 1858

Gustave Moreau painted this 'Saint George, after Vittore Carpaccio' with oil on canvas, engaging with traditional art materials to create a narrative scene. Moreau's choice of oil paint allowed for layering and blending, crucial for achieving the luminous quality seen here. The smoothness of the canvas underpins the even application of paint, creating a dream-like surface. Moreau’s meticulous handling of the materials elevates the scene, blurring the boundaries between the fine arts and the skilled traditions of decorative painting. It invites reflection on how labor and artistry intertwine. There is a great amount of work involved in the production process, due to the detailed precision and layered application of oil paint. This is a common practice in fine arts and is deeply tied to the cultural and economic values associated with art production. The focus on materials, making, and context in Moreau’s work challenges conventional views of artistic value and craftsmanship.