Artwork

The Predication of Saint Paul

The Predication of Saint Paul, by Joseph-Benoît Suvée, oil, 1790
The Predication of Saint Paul, by Joseph-Benoît Suvée, oil, 1790

The Predication of Saint Paul is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Joseph-Benoît Suvée. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Predication of Saint Paul is a 1790 oil painting by Joseph-Benoît Suvée, a Flemish artist influenced by French neoclassicism.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Saint Paul preaching to a crowd on the island of Cyprus, conveying a sense of solemnity and reverence. The scene is set against a cloudy sky with distant buildings, and features a woman with a child in the foreground.

Technique & Style

Suvée's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, emphasizing the central figure of Saint Paul. The work's neoclassical style is characterized by clarity and a focus on historical themes.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1790, the painting is now held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joseph-Benoît Suvée

Artist

Joseph-Benoît Suvée

Joseph-Benoît Suvée (3 January 1743 – 9 February 1807) was a Flemish painter strongly influenced by French neo-classicism.