On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P01643
- Author
- Rubens, Peter Paul (Flemish)
- Title
- Emaus' Dinner
- Chronology
- 1638
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 143 cm x 156 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
Two pilgrims on their way to
Jerusalem meet a traveler, whom the
invite to dinner. When their
unknown guest blesses the bread on
the table, they recognize that he
is Christ resurrected. This story
is taken from the Gospel of Luke
(24, 13-55).
The painter sets the scene in a
space that is open to an
architectural landscape, with a
fortress and a Baroque building out
of which a figure is leaning. These
buildings, along with the warm
light employed, give the work a
certain Italianate air.
The expressions of the pilgrims
reveal Rubens' mastery of
expressivity in his most mature
period. At the side, the grotesque
innkeeper contemplates the scene,
unaware of its religious
import.
This work was acquired for Felipe
IV at the auction of Ruben's
belongings in 1640.
Location on the map
