Who painted Christus im Hause des Simon?

Christus im Hause des Simon was painted by Andrea Celesti in 1674.

Where can I see Christus im Hause des Simon?

Christus im Hause des Simon is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Christus im Hause des Simon?

Christus im Hause des Simon is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Christus im Hause des Simon

Andrea Celesti , 1674

Christus im Hause des Simon is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Andrea Celesti. It dates from 1674 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1674 by the Venetian painter Andrea Celesti, this oil work portrays a biblical episode set within a cramped interior. The composition gathers four figures amid deep shadows, their gestures and expressions conveying tension and concern. Currently, the canvas is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, representing a late‑stage example of Celesti’s Baroque output.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates the moment when Christ is welcomed into the home of Simon the Pharisee, a narrative drawn from the Gospel of Luke. A solemn man in a dark coat rests a hand on a companion’s shoulder, while an elderly woman reaches toward a younger woman lying on the floor, suggesting a mixture of hospitality, compassion, and distress within the household.

Technique & Style

Celesti employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts between illuminated figures and a tenebrous background to heighten emotional intensity. The brushwork shows a transition from the tighter academic handling of his early career toward a looser, more fluid approach, evident in the softened modeling of faces and the flowing treatment of hair and drapery.

History & Provenance

After its completion in Venice, the painting entered private collections before being acquired by the Bavarian state museum in the 19th century. It has remained in the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings since that acquisition, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s Baroque gallery, offering insight into the cross‑regional exchange of religious art during the period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Andrea Celesti

Andrea Celesti (1637–1712) was an Italian painter of the Baroque period, working in Venice. His style gravitated over the years from a turgid and academic weightiness to a lighter, looser brushstroke.