Artwork
Tobias and the Angel
Tobias and the Angel is an oil painting. It dates from 1609 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
The work titled “Tobias and the Angel” is executed on copper and presents a tranquil outdoor setting. Two figures dominate the composition: a winged figure in a red‑white garment and a second, clothed in gray, standing beside him. A distant horizon of trees, rolling hills and a cloud‑dotted blue sky frames the scene, while a fish held by the winged figure adds a narrative detail.
Subject & Meaning
The painting draws on the biblical story of Tobias, who is guided by the archangel Raphael. The angel’s wings and the red‑white attire identify him, while the gray‑clad companion represents Tobias. The fish, a traditional symbol of healing in the tale, underscores the episode’s themes of divine assistance and restoration.
Technique & Style
Rendered on a copper substrate, the image benefits from the metal’s smooth surface, allowing fine detailing and luminous color. The artist employs chiaroscuro, contrasting light and shadow to model the figures and landscape, creating a sense of three‑dimensionality. The balanced composition and harmonious palette reflect a disciplined approach to narrative painting.
Context
While the creator’s identity remains unspecified, the work aligns with the 17th‑century European tradition of religious genre scenes on copper, a medium favored for its durability and capacity for intricate brushwork. Its subject matter and stylistic choices suggest it was intended for private devotion or a collector interested in biblical illustration.
Artist & collection
