I first heard the saying “every detail is not a detail” decades ago from luxury brand Hermès and it has been one of my mottoes ever since. It came to mind when looking at Zurbarán in the current exhibition at the National Gallery.
One of the wonderful things about seeing original art is that you can get really close. Look at the lightness of these loaves carried by Asher, one of the sons of Jacob.
See how the tunic has been painted
and the detail of the clasp.
Here is Joseph, his brother.
The attention to each detail in these paintings is quite remarkable.
These works would normally be seen at a distance but you can feel the skill, care and pleasure taken in painting everything, down to each strand of fringing.
I just had to include this painting of Saint Casilda for the rendition of her clothing as much as her pose and expression.
Zurbarán‘s father was a fabric merchant so this must be where the artist learnt about the intricacies of textiles.
