Who painted The Brazen Serpent?

The Brazen Serpent was painted by Johann König in 1621.

Where can I see The Brazen Serpent?

The Brazen Serpent is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is The Brazen Serpent?

The Brazen Serpent is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Can I buy a print of The Brazen Serpent?

Museum-quality prints of The Brazen Serpent are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Brazen Serpent

Johann König , 1621

The Brazen Serpent is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Johann König. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Johann König’s *The Brazen Serpent* (1621) is a modestly sized oil painting on copper that presents a densely populated biblical tableau.

Johann König’s *The Brazen Serpent* (1621) is a modestly sized oil painting on copper that presents a densely populated biblical tableau. Set against a bright sky, the composition gathers figures in various poses—standing, prostrate, or reaching upward—around a central pole bearing a coiled bronze serpent. The work’s focus rests on the dramatic interaction between the crowd and the serpentine emblem of divine judgment and cure.

Subject & Meaning

The scene derives from Numbers 21, where the Israelites, afflicted by venomous bites, are instructed to look upon a bronze serpent lifted aloft for salvation. König captures the moment of collective supplication, the serpent serving as both a reminder of punishment and a conduit for healing. The varied gestures of the figures suggest a spectrum of responses, from desperate prayer to the hope of recovery.

Technique & Style

Executed in the early Baroque idiom, the painting reflects the influence of Adam Elsheimer through its meticulous detail and refined finish. König employs chiaroscuro to model forms, allowing light to illuminate the serpent and the red-robed figure while casting surrounding bodies in softer shadow. The copper support contributes a luminous surface that enhances the interplay of color and light, emphasizing the drama of the narrative.

History & Provenance

Created while König was active in Italy, the work exemplifies his practice of producing small, highly finished panels for private devotion. Though documentation of its early ownership is scarce, the painting has been associated with collections of Baroque religious art in German-speaking regions. Its survival on copper attests to König’s reputation for durable, portable works that could be circulated among patrons across Europe.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Johann König

Johann König (21 October 1586 – 4 March 1642) was a German painter. He was a follower of Adam Elsheimer. He is known primarily for his painted copper panels.