The Rest on the Flight into Egypt with St. John the Baptist 1509

This painting was made by Fra Bartolomeo, likely in Florence in the early 16th century, using oil paint on wood panel. Look closely, and you’ll see how the artist used thin layers of translucent color – glazes – to build up a luminous effect, particularly on the Virgin Mary’s mantle. This was a laborious process, demanding considerable skill. Bartolomeo was a master of the technique. It’s worth remembering that in Florence at this time, artistic skill was considered a trade, much like carpentry or weaving. Workshops were common, and assistants would often contribute to the completion of paintings. With the rise of the Renaissance, artists like Bartolomeo began to be celebrated not just as craftsmen, but as creative geniuses, distinct individuals capable of producing works of great originality and beauty. The value of their labor thus increased. So, when you look at this painting, consider not just the image represented, but also the material and human resources that went into its making.