The secrets of the Renaissance masters' painting technique

The great artists of the Renaissance—like Raphael, Leonardo, Botticelli, and Piero della Francesca—were not only creative visionaries but also skilled craftsmen who mastered complex and sophisticated techniques. Behind each masterpiece lies a long and meticulous process, involving natural materials and careful steps that allowed them to create works full of depth, light, and life.

Before starting to paint, the masters carefully prepared the surfaces they would work on. Whether it was a wooden panel smoothed to feel like ivory, a fresco painted on fresh plaster, or a canvas treated with layers of bole and gesso, each surface was designed to best hold the colors. Today, in our workshop, we faithfully reproduce these processes to preserve the authenticity and tactile value of the original artworks.

Equally important was the preparatory drawing, often created on paper as cartoons, which were then transferred onto the support using techniques like pouncing or incising. This drawing was the invisible structure of the painting, guiding the artist through every step. In our reproductions, we carefully follow these lines with great attention to detail and respect.

Another secret of Renaissance painters lies in their use of pigments: colors made from earths, minerals, plants, and even insects, mixed with natural binders like egg yolk or linseed oil. These materials gave life to a vibrant and rich palette, capable of capturing the complexity of reality. We also use traditional pigments and compatible techniques to make our reproductions as faithful as possible, both in color and nuance.

We must also mention the gilding technique—the application of gold leaf on a base of red bole—that gave sacred and decorative elements a symbolic value and timeless elegance. Here too, craftsmanship is key, and in our workshop, every gilding is done by hand, following ancient traditions.

Ultimately, reproducing a Renaissance work is never just a simple copy but a true act of respect and passion for an unparalleled artistic heritage. Every detail, every step, is carefully tended to ensure that the art of the past continues to live in the present, enriching the spaces of those who welcome it with its beauty and depth.