Who painted Tribute penny (Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:21–26)?

Tribute penny (Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:21–26) was painted by Unknown.

Where can I see Tribute penny (Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:21–26)?

Tribute penny (Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:21–26) is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

Artwork

Tribute penny (Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:21–26)

Tribute penny (Matthew 22:15–22; Mark 12:13–17; Luke 20:21–26) is an oil painting by Unknown. It is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

The surrounding figures wear assorted robes in red, green, and black, and the composition is set against a dark backdrop with a carved wall visible behind them.

The oil painting titled “Tribute penny” depicts a biblical episode in which Jesus stands before a group of men, his right arm raised in a gesture of address while his left hand holds a coin. He is dressed in a red robe over a white tunic, his brown hair visible. The surrounding figures wear assorted robes in red, green, and black, and the composition is set against a dark backdrop with a carved wall visible behind them.

Subject & Meaning

The work illustrates the New Testament narrative of Jesus’ response to a question about paying tribute to the Roman authorities, a story found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. By holding the coin, the painter emphasizes the pivotal moment of Jesus’ teaching on civic duty and spiritual allegiance, underscoring the tension between earthly power and divine authority.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil, the painting employs strong contrasts of light and shadow to heighten drama, a hallmark of chiaroscuro. The illuminated figures emerge from the deep, muted background, while the carved wall behind them provides a textured, yet subdued, setting that frames the central action.

History & Provenance

No specific details about the artist, date of execution, or ownership history are provided in the source material, limiting the ability to trace the work’s provenance or its place within a particular artistic period.

Context

The scene draws from the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees about the legality of paying taxes to Caesar. The painting captures the moment of his rhetorical reply, situating the biblical episode within a visual tradition that often highlights moral and political dilemmas.