Artwork
Acts of Mercy. St Joachim Visiting St Elizabeth
Acts of Mercy. St Joachim Visiting St Elizabeth is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Bartolomeo Schedoni. It dates from 1614 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1614, this oil painting by Bartolomeo Schedoni portrays a domestic interior where a male figure, staff in hand, stands opposite a seated woman cradling an infant. A second woman, positioned behind them, carries a basket. Architectural elements such as columns, a stone floor, and a distant staircase frame the scene, emphasizing the intimate encounter.
Subject & Meaning
The work illustrates a biblical episode traditionally identified as the visitation of St. Joachim to St. Elizabeth, a moment linked to the theme of charitable deeds. The presence of the infant and the basket suggests the exchange of gifts and blessings, underscoring the Christian virtue of mercy between the two holy parents.
Technique & Style
Schedoni employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, juxtaposing deep shadows with illuminated figures to model forms and draw the eye to the central characters. The contrast heightens the three‑dimensionality of the figures and the architectural space, while the muted palette and careful handling of light reflect early Baroque sensibilities.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the collection of Denmark’s Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display. Its acquisition history traces back to early 20th‑century European art markets, though precise details of its earlier ownership are not extensively documented.
Artist & collection
