Artwork

Tobias Meets the Archangel Raphael

Tobias Meets the Archangel Raphael, by Andrea Vaccaro, oil, 1640
Tobias Meets the Archangel Raphael, by Andrea Vaccaro, oil, 1640

Tobias Meets the Archangel Raphael is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Andrea Vaccaro. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

About this work

Overview

Andrea Vaccaro's 'Tobias Meets the Archangel Raphael' is an oil painting from 1640, exemplifying the early Baroque style in Italy. It is now held in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a biblical scene featuring Tobias and the Archangel Raphael. A youthful Tobias, clad in blue, gestures towards the angel, who is accompanied by a large white horse. Three men and a dog are visible in the background, set against a building and cloudy sky.

Technique & Style

Vaccaro's work is characterized by naturalism and strong chiaroscuro, reflecting his early influences from the Caravaggisti movement. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and drama, while a range of colors adds to the scene's vividness.

History & Provenance

Vaccaro was a prominent painter in Naples under Spanish rule, producing many religious works for local and Spanish patrons. 'Tobias Meets the Archangel Raphael' is part of this broader body of work.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Andrea Vaccaro

Artist

Andrea Vaccaro

Andrea Vaccaro (baptised on 8 May 1604 – 18 January 1670) was an Italian painter of the Baroque period.