Artwork
Roundel with Christ and Zacchaeus
Roundel with Christ and Zacchaeus is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1505 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This painting, titled Roundel with Christ and Zacchaeus, presents a biblical narrative within a circular format. It captures a pivotal moment from the New Testament, illustrating the encounter between Jesus and the tax collector Zacchaeus. The composition places Christ centrally, drawing the viewer's attention to the spiritual exchange unfolding amidst a gathering crowd.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork illustrates the Gospel account of Zacchaeus, a wealthy but unpopular tax collector, who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus passing through Jericho. Unable to see over the crowd, Zacchaeus's perch allowed him a clear view, leading to Christ's invitation to dine at his home. This event symbolizes redemption and the acceptance of the marginalized.
Technique & Style
Rendered with a palette primarily featuring browns and yellows, the painting employs strong contrasts of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, to create a sense of three-dimensionality and focus. The use of impasto, where paint is applied thickly, adds texture and visual weight to the figures and their drapery. These stylistic choices are characteristic of Renaissance artistic practices.
Artist & collection
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