Artwork

Christ healing the sick in the temple

Christ healing the sick in the temple, by Benjamin West, oil, 1790
Christ healing the sick in the temple, by Benjamin West, oil, 1790

Christ healing the sick in the temple is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Benjamin West. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Christ Healing the Sick in the Temple is a 1790 oil painting by Benjamin West, an American-born artist who worked in London. It is a history painting that exemplifies the Neoclassical style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a scene from the New Testament where Jesus heals the sick in a temple. Christ is shown standing on the left, surrounded by a crowd of afflicted people, conveying a sense of hope and healing.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and drama, emphasizing the central figure of Christ. The somber mood is achieved through a muted color palette, while the composition is characterized by a large stone archway and columns in the background.

History & Provenance

The painting is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum. Benjamin West was a prominent artist under King George III's patronage and played a key role in founding the Royal Academy, later becoming its second president.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Benjamin West

Artist

Benjamin West

American, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania 1738–1820 London

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Fitzwilliam Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.