Artwork
Elijah Receiving Bread from the Widow of Zarephath
Elijah Receiving Bread from the Widow of Zarephath is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Giovanni Lanfranco. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum.
About this work
Overview
Elijah Receiving Bread from the Widow of Zarephath is a Baroque-era oil painting created by Italian artist Giovanni Lanfranco, currently part of the J. Paul Getty Museum's collection in Los Angeles, California.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a biblical scene where the prophet Elijah receives bread from the Widow of Zarephath, illustrating a moment of divine provision and faith from 1 Kings 17:8-16.
Technique & Style
Characteristic of Italian Baroque, the work likely employs glazing techniques, a method where multiple thin, transparent layers of paint are applied to achieve deep, rich colors and a sense of luminosity.
History & Provenance
While specific acquisition details are not provided, the painting's presence in the J. Paul Getty Museum suggests it was part of the museum's efforts to collect significant European Baroque artworks.
Context
Created during the Italian Baroque period, the painting reflects the era's emphasis on dramatic lighting, emotional depth, and the depiction of religious themes, catering to the Catholic Church's Counter-Reformation efforts.
Legacy
As part of the Getty Museum's collection, 'Elijah Receiving Bread' contributes to the broader understanding and appreciation of Italian Baroque art, though its individual impact within Lanfranco's oeuvre and the broader art historical canon is not distinctly outlined in available information.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Lanfranco (26 January 1582 – 30 November 1647) was an Italian Baroque painter. He was a distinguished artist of the Bolognese school, deeply influenced by Annibale Carracci's’ classicism.
