Scenes from the Life of Prophet Elijah 1517

Jerg Ratgeb painted these scenes from the Life of Prophet Elijah, using the fresco technique. This means the pigments were applied to wet plaster, binding the image directly to the wall. Now, think about that plaster, its texture and the labor involved. To prepare it required the sourcing of lime, the mixing of aggregate, and the physical work of applying it to the wall. The result is a surface that's both robust and absorbent, perfect for receiving pigment. The colors, too, would have been prepared with care, ground from minerals and mixed with water. Ratgeb’s skill is evident not only in the composition but in the handling of these materials. Fresco demands swift, decisive strokes. There's no room for second-guessing when the plaster is drying. Considering this process allows us to appreciate the artist's craft, and how the materials and the making itself contribute to the painting's lasting impact. It also reminds us that art is not just about ideas, but about physical work, deeply rooted in social context.