Christ and the Centurion
Artist: Paolo Veronese (Italian, 1528-1588)
Date: about 1575-1580
Dimensions:
H: 39 1/8 in. (99.4 cm); W: 52 1/2 in. (133.4 cm)
Medium: Oil on canvas
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Purchased with funds from the Libbey Endowment, Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1966.129
Label Text:The Biblical story of Christ and the Centurion poses a challenge for an artist since it tells of a miracle that occurs “off stage.” As described in Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion in Capernaum approached Christ and beseeched him to heal his ill servant who was at the soldier’s home. "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word and my servant will be healed." Marveling at the man's faith, Christ responded, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." Christ's gesture of blessing and the convincing piety of the kneeling centurion communicate that the miracle has been accomplished.
Paolo Caliari, known as Veronese after his birthplace (Verona), was one of the leading masters active in and around Venice in the mid to late 1500s. Venetian Renaissance painters were known for their oil painting technique that often emphasized soft, almost blurred contours, textured brushstrokes, and the layering of glazes to achieve luminous colors.
Paolo Caliari, known as Veronese after his birthplace (Verona), was one of the leading masters active in and around Venice in the mid to late 1500s. Venetian Renaissance painters were known for their oil painting technique that often emphasized soft, almost blurred contours, textured brushstrokes, and the layering of glazes to achieve luminous colors.
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