Artwork

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

Copy after the painting The Pieta 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 1876 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1876 watercolour by Eduard Kaiser reproduces the Pietà attributed to the so‑called Isaac Master, originally displayed in the Upper Church of San Francesco in Assisi. The miniature work bears Kaiser’s signature and date, indicating its purpose as a faithful copy rather than an original composition.

Subject & Meaning

The scene centers on a reclining, haloed figure surrounded by mournful attendants, with angels hovering above. The arrangement reflects the traditional iconography of the Pietà, emphasizing themes of sorrow, compassion, and divine presence through the juxtaposition of human grief and celestial beings.

Technique & Style

Kaiser employs delicate washes of blue, pink, and gold, creating a softened palette that hints at the original’s tonal qualities. The brushwork balances smooth, almost seamless strokes with defined contours, giving the impression of a sketch rendered with a painterly finish.

History & Provenance

Created as part of a series of reproductions commissioned by the Arundel Society, the watercolour was intended for publication but ultimately remained unpublished. It bears an inscription of the artist’s name and the year, documenting its role within the Society’s educational efforts.

Context

The Isaac Master’s work, known for its refined linearity and luminous color, was a significant example of 13th‑century Italian painting. Kaiser’s copy reflects 19th‑century scholarly interest in medieval art, serving both as a study tool and as a means to disseminate knowledge of the original fresco beyond its Assisi setting.