Artwork
Saint John Bearing the Lamb (copy of the fresco in the cupola of Parma Cathedral)
Saint John Bearing the Lamb (copy of the fresco in the cupola of Parma Cathedral) is a tempera painting by the Mannerist artist Correggio. It dates from 1521 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Created around 1521, this tempera work is a copy of the fresco that once adorned the cupola of Parma Cathedral.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1521, this tempera work is a copy of the fresco that once adorned the cupola of Parma Cathedral. The composition shows a bearded figure, identified as Saint John, cradling a lamb while seated upon a cloud. Surrounding him are several cherubic figures, some holding blossoms, contributing to a tranquil, celestial atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure represents Saint John the Evangelist, traditionally associated with the Lamb of God, a symbol of Christ’s innocence and sacrifice. The lamb rests gently in his arms, emphasizing the saint’s role as a guardian of the divine. The playful cherubs and floral motifs reinforce themes of purity, divine love, and heavenly harmony.
Technique & Style
Executed in tempera, the painting displays the medium’s characteristic smoothness and fine detail. A restrained palette of browns, beiges, and muted tones creates a subdued, contemplative mood. The delicate brushwork and soft modeling of forms reflect Correggio’s early style, emphasizing gentle transitions of light and a sense of ethereal space.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Antonio da Correggio, the piece was produced as a portable replica of his cathedral fresco, likely intended for private devotion or collection. It entered the holdings of the Victoria and Albert Museum in the early twentieth century, where it remains part of the museum’s European paintings collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Antonio Allegri da Correggio (August 1489 – 5 March 1534), usually known as just Correggio (, also UK: , US: , Italian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter who was the foremost painter of the Parma school of the High…
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