Saint Paul Preaching
Artist: Sebastiano Ricci (Italian, 1659-1734)
Date: 1712-1716
Dimensions:
H: 73 1/2 in. (186.9 cm); W: 62 1/2 in. (158.8 cm)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1966.112
Label Text:According to the Bible, Paul converted to Christianity after experiencing a powerful vision of the resurrected Christ. He then became a devoted evangelist, traveling around the ancient Roman world preaching his new-found faith. In this painting by Italian artist Sebastiano Ricci, Paul is shown speaking before a large crowd, probably either in Athens or Corinth. Ricci leads our eye to the apostle with the brilliant scarlet of his cloak, the tall columns behind him, and the red banner displayed at the top of the arch in the background, the trailing end of which seems to point directly at Paul.
The crowd—not all of whom are paying rapt attention—is varied in age, gender, race, and social class. Prominently placed is a portly figure in gold whose hands grasp his belt. This is likely a self-portrait of Ricci himself, in the role of jester—a figure that had been established by Venetian Renaissance artist Veronese (whom Ricci admired) as an emblem of artistic license.
This painting was probably commissioned by Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington (1698–1753) while Ricci was working in England.
The crowd—not all of whom are paying rapt attention—is varied in age, gender, race, and social class. Prominently placed is a portly figure in gold whose hands grasp his belt. This is likely a self-portrait of Ricci himself, in the role of jester—a figure that had been established by Venetian Renaissance artist Veronese (whom Ricci admired) as an emblem of artistic license.
This painting was probably commissioned by Richard Boyle, Earl of Burlington (1698–1753) while Ricci was working in England.
On view
In Collection(s)