Artwork
Roundel with the Blinding of Tobit (from a Series)
Roundel with the Blinding of Tobit (from a Series) is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This round painting, titled Roundel with the Blinding of Tobit, captures a moment of intense drama.
About this work
Overview
This round painting, titled Roundel with the Blinding of Tobit, captures a moment of intense drama. It depicts a man fallen to the ground, his face obscured by a bandage, suggesting a recent injury or a punitive act. The composition includes several figures and elements that contribute to the narrative tension, characteristic of a series depicting a larger story.
Subject & Meaning
A woman observes the scene from a window with a concerned expression, further heightening the emotional impact of the unfolding event.
The painting illustrates the biblical story of Tobit, an elder from the Book of Tobit, who was tragically blinded. The central figure lies prostrate, his bandaged face emphasizing his affliction. Nearby, two armored figures stand, one holding a sword, while a loyal dog sits beside the injured man. A woman observes the scene from a window with a concerned expression, further heightening the emotional impact of the unfolding event.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a circular format to frame this dramatic episode, utilizing strong contrasts of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, to enhance the visual impact. This technique emphasizes the figures and their expressions, particularly the wounded man and the concerned woman. The interplay of light and dark creates a sense of urgency and depth, drawing the viewer into the scene and underscoring the gravity of Tobit's predicament against a distant landscape.
Artist & collection
Roundel with the Flagellation
Roundel with Justice
Roundel with the Blinding of Zaleucus of Locria
Roundel with Susanna In Judgement
Roundel with Mordecai Overhearing the Conspirators
Roundel with the Annunciation
Roundel with the Adoration of the Magi
Roundel with Return of the Prodigal Son
Roundel with the Resurrection
Roundel with Sacrifice in the Temple
Roundel with Judgment or Allegorical Scene
Roundel with the Crucifixion
