Artwork

Copy after the painting The Maries at the Sepulchre attributed to the Isaac Master in the Upper Church, San Francesco, Assisi

Copy after the painting The Maries at the Sepulchre attributed to the Isaac Master in the Upper Church, San Francesco, Assisi is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Edward Kaiser. It dates from 1875 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour painting is a copy of a 13th-century fresco attributed to the Isaac Master.

About this work

The standing figures—one in a long blue robe, one in red and gold, and a bearded man in white—stand near a small table with a framed picture.

This watercolor shows a dim room with three standing figures and three people lying on the floor. The standing figures—one in a long blue robe, one in red and gold, and a bearded man in white—stand near a small table with a framed picture. The three people on the ground look asleep or resting, with one holding a red object. The walls are plain, and light comes from the top left corner.

The bearded man holds a staff and seems to be pointing or guiding the others. The painting looks like a copy of an older work, but Kaiser made it in 1875.

Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this painting in person.

Overview

This watercolour painting is a copy of a 13th-century fresco attributed to the Isaac Master. Created in 1875 by Eduard Kaiser, it reproduces a scene from the Upper Church of San Francesco in Assisi.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a dimly lit scene with six figures: three standing near a table with a framed image, and three reclining on the floor. The bearded figure, holding a staff, appears to be guiding the others, suggesting a narrative or symbolic significance.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the painting is a faithful reproduction of the original fresco. Kaiser's work demonstrates a high level of technical skill in capturing the tone and composition of the original.

History & Provenance

Produced for the Arundel Society in 1875, the watercolour remained unpublished. It is now held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.