Artwork

A Venetian Family Presented to the Virgin by Saint Lawrence and a Bishop Saint

A Venetian Family Presented to the Virgin by Saint Lawrence and a Bishop Saint is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Jacopo Tintoretto. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the National Galleries Scotland.

About this work

Overview

A Venetian Family Presented to the Virgin by Saint Lawrence and a Bishop Saint is an oil painting created by Tintoretto around 1590. It exemplifies the artist's distinctive style, characterized by dynamic composition and expressive figures.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a Venetian family kneeling before the Virgin Mary, who is accompanied by the Christ child and interceded by Saint Lawrence and a bishop saint. The scene conveys a sense of devotion and spiritual connection between the family and the sacred figures.

Technique & Style

Tintoretto's use of chiaroscuro and bold color contrasts creates a dramatic effect, while his energetic brushwork and muscular figures reflect his Mannerist style. The composition is marked by heightened gestures and a sense of depth, achieved through the use of perspective and layered figures.

History & Provenance

The painting was created by Jacopo Tintoretto, a prominent Venetian artist active during the Renaissance. Born in 1518, Tintoretto was known for his innovative and expressive style, earning him the nickname 'il Furioso' for his dynamic brushwork.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacopo Tintoretto

Jacopo Robusti (late September or early October 1518 – 31 May 1594), best known as Tintoretto ( TIN-tə-RET-oh; Italian: ; Venetian: ), was an Italian Renaissance painter of the Venetian school.