Artwork
Copy after Zacharias writes down the name of his Son, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after Zacharias writes down the name of his Son, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence) is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Domenico Ghirlandaio. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour reproduces a scene from Domenico Ghirlandaio's fresco in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella, Florence. The composition captures a moment of domestic ritual within an ornate, arched interior.
Subject & Meaning
The central scene depicts Zacharias, an elderly figure, recording the name of his newborn son, as indicated by the Latin inscription 'John is his name'. A woman, presumably his wife, presents the infant while surrounded by family members engaged in discussion or gesture.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the work maintains the meticulous detail of Ghirlandaio's original fresco. Soft, vibrant colours (notably reds, blues, and greens) characterize the palette, set against a distant, hinted landscape.
History & Provenance
Originally a copy of Ghirlandaio's fresco, this watercolour was later reproduced as a chromolithograph in 1867 under Ludwig Gruner's supervision. It was acquired by its current institution in 1995 from the National Gallery of London.
Context
The piece reflects Ghirlandaio's penchant for depicting everyday moments with realist flair, as seen in his practice of painting contemporary individuals in relatable scenarios.
Artist & collection
Artist
Domenico di Tommaso Curradi di Doffo Bigordi (2 June 1448 – 11 January 1494), professionally known as Domenico Ghirlandaio (also spelt as Ghirlandajo), was an Italian Renaissance painter born in Florence.
Copy after the Nativity of the Virgin, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after the Marriage of the Virgin, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after The Expulsion of Joachim from the Temple, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Watercolour, copy after The Visitation, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after The Angel Appearing to Zacharias, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after the Preaching of St. John the Baptist, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after the Presentation of the Virgin in the temple, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after Calling of the Apostoles, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sistine Chapel, Vatican (Rome)
Watercolour, copy after the Baptism of Christ, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Tornabuoni Chapel, Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Copy after The meeting of Augustus and the Sibyl, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sassetti Chapel, Chiesa di Santa Trinita (Florence)
Copy after the Death of St Francis, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sassetti Chapel, Chiesa di Santa Trinita (Florence)
Copy after the Death of St Francis, Domenico Ghirlandaio in the Sassetti Chapel, Chiesa di Santa Trinita (Florence)