These four portraits of women, two double ones and two single ones (P02074, P02075 and P02076) presented standing and down to kneelevel, use the same architectural setting. The series is given visual unity by the use of a central niche and two more, barely visible ones at the sides, separated by masonry pillars and decorated with small lions’ heads in the centre.This use of shared elements is prob
In this three-quarter length standing portrait, the unknown lady is wearing a rich, slashed dress with loose sleeves in the Turkish fashion, decorated with gold brocade; the dress is adorned with the gold chains which give the portrait its title. Her face is highlighted against the dark background, and she gazes directly at the viewer, as in all Mor’s portraits.
The first Poesie presented to Prince Philip were Danaë (1553, The Wellington Collection) and Venus and Adonis (1554, Museo del Prado, P422), versions of other previous works, but endowed with all the prestige of the commissioning party. In turn, these works became models for numerous replicas (Danaë receiving the Golden Rain, 1560-65, Museo del Prado, P425).Danaë depicts the moment
These four portraits of women, two double ones and two single ones (P02073, P02074 and P02076) presented standing and down to kneelevel, use the same architectural setting. The series is given visual unity by the use of a central niche and two more, barely visible ones at the sides, separated by masonry pillars and decorated with small lions’ heads in the centre.This use of shared elements is prob
While not absolutely certain, this is generally considered a self-portrait by Sánchez Coello, a pupil of Anthonis Mor and first court portraitist to Philip II. The artist deploys a detailed technique that is more precise and descriptive in the treatment of the white fabric of the ruff and slightly looser and more flexible in the face.
Tityus, the son of Jupiter and Elara, appears chained to the boulder in Tartarus while an eagle eternally devours his liver. The Giant received that punishment for attempting to rape one of his father’s lovers with the encouragement of Juno. The subject of the Furies -Tityus, Ixion, Tantalus and Sisyphus- became quite popular in European art of the Modern Age, especially in palace decorations. The
Previously catalogued as Portrait of Titian’s Daughter Lavinia Vecellio by Veronese, this canvas of an unknown sitter was painted in Titian’s studio. The lively face, probably painted by Titian himself, contrasts with the routine treatment of the clothing, which is the work of assistants.
This work illustrates the final passage of Christ´s childhood (Luke 2, 41-50) when, at the age of 12, he was taken to Jerusalem by his parents to celebrate Passover. Mary and Joseph lost their son, and later found him in the Temple, arguing with the doctors. Christ´s theological superiority is emphasized by his placement towards the top of the composition´s axis. The doctors look on as he enumerat
The parable of Lazarus (Luke 16: 19-31) has been interpreted in many ways: an apology of charitable works; a comparison between salvation and perdition, and between gentiles (Lazarus) and Jews (Epulon, the rich man); and the dogs who lick Lazarus´s sores have even been held to be an allusion to the Dominican preachers and their miraculous cures. Aikema has provided examples of sermons and contempo
Purchased by Charles IV, this portrait entered the royal collections in 1814 and was already listed in the Museo del Prado’s catalogs in 1854 as a work by Juan de Juanes. The identity of the sitter has varied since José de Madrazo suggested it was Luis Castelví, Lord of Carlet. Today, lacking unanimous agreement, it is generally accepted as a likeness of the Lord of Bicorp y Quera, L
Painted in Bergamo, this canvas reveals Moroni’s innate gifts as a portraitist, which were based on his remarkable ability to offer an objective depiction of real life in which the Lombardo-Venetian tradition combined with his knowledge of northern art. Moroni was more concerned to convey his sitters’ physical appearance or social position than to investigate their personality in any depth. The id
In a single sequence, the painting shows the Archangel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary, his announce ment to her that she has been designated as the mother of the son of God, and her acceptance of the divine will (Luke, 1, 26-38). St Gabriel appears on the viewer’s left, kneeling before the Virgin. He is covered in a white tunic constructed with a rich array of solidly drawn folds interspersed with a s
This view reflects the new approach to mountain landscapes introduced by Pieter Bruegel the Elder in the 1550s. In comparison to Patinir’s fragmented vision, it presents the landscape as a completed whole. The mountains are the real subject of the work, with the figures merely pretexts for depicting them.
Calvary and The Descent from the Cross were two of the most frequent subjects in Pedro de Campaña’s oeuvre. Their content, as well as the painter’s Flemish training, explain his manner of emphasizing the markedly dramatic character of their compositions, stressing the figures’ expressive qualities in very contrived nocturnal settings. It is no surprise that these subjects continued to occup
Large-format versions of the Virgin holding the dead body of Christ, like those at Badajoz Cathedral and at the Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, gave way in Morales’s oeuvre to smaller compositions on the same subject, with half-length figures shown on a striking background of rigorous black. Against this, the two figures and the upright of the cross are contrasted with strong lighti
These four portraits of women, two double ones and two single ones (P02073, P02075 and P02076) presented standing and down to kneelevel, use the same architectural setting. The series is given visual unity by the use of a central niche and two more, barely visible ones at the sides, separated by masonry pillars and decorated with small lions’ heads in the centre.This use of shared elements is prob
Renaissance painting abounds with representations of Christ bearing the cross on the road to Calvary, either as an isolated figure, or with an executioner assailing him, or accompanied by soldiers, curious bystanders and followers, among whom the depiction of Simon of Cyrene is relatively common. According to three of the evangelists (Matthew 27:32-33, Mark 15:21-22, and Luke 23:26-27), Simon carr
This painting depicts a passage from the Gospel of Saint John (19, 4-5) which recounts how after Christ had been whipped and crowned with thorns: Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him. Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them: Behold the man!. T