On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00492
- Author
- Veronese, Paolo (Italian)
- Title
- Jesus and the Centurion
- Chronology
- Ca. 1571
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 192 cm x 297 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- Yes
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
With a halo of sainthood over his
head, Jesus extends his arm to the
centurion who, having converted to
the Christian faith, kneels at his
feet, as told in the New Testament
(Matthew 8, 5-13). The scene takes
place in front of an architectural
backdrop inspired by the work of
the architect, Andrea Palladio
(1508-1580). The bright colors worn
by the figures are brought out by
the white of the strongly lit
buildings.
The composition of this work is
halfway between the previous
decade's decorative manner and the
new guidelines set out by the
Catholic Church. The work gains
dramatic intensity, as both the
grandiloquent postures of its
characters and their sumptuous
clothing recall the theater of that
epoch.
This painting belonged to Count
Arundel. Following his death in
1646, it was acquired by Felipe IV
(1605-1665), who sent it to the
Monastery of El Escorial, where it
remained in the Prior's Chapter
until it entered the Prado Museum
in 1839
Location on the map
