Artwork
Christ in the House of Simon the Pharisee
Christ in the House of Simon the Pharisee is an oil painting by the Early Renaissance artist Luca Signorelli. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1500, this oil painting by Luca Signorelli portrays the biblical episode in which Jesus accepts an invitation to eat at the home of Simon the Pharisee. Executed while the artist was based in his native Cortona, the work reflects the early Renaissance interest in narrative clarity and balanced composition. It is presently part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures Christ seated at a modestly set table, surrounded by attendants in richly colored garments. The gathering, centered around a white cloth, a bowl and a jug, suggests a moment of hospitality that invites contemplation of moral and spiritual themes associated with the Pharisee’s invitation.
Technique & Style
Signorelli’s reputation for precise draftsmanship and adept use of foreshortening is evident in the three‑dimensional rendering of the figures and interior space. The artist employs a restrained palette for the background, while the foreground figures are highlighted through careful modeling of light, creating a calm, serene atmosphere.
History & Provenance
After commissions in Florence, Siena and Rome, Signorelli returned to Cortona where he produced this work. It entered the National Gallery of Ireland in the 20th century, where it remains on display as a representative example of the artist’s religious output during the early Renaissance.
Context
The painting belongs to a period when Italian artists increasingly explored biblical narratives as vehicles for moral instruction. Signorelli’s treatment aligns with contemporary trends that emphasized anatomical accuracy and spatial depth, reflecting the broader artistic developments of the turn of the 16th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Luca Signorelli (c. 1441/1445 – 16 October 1523) was an Italian Renaissance painter from Cortona, in Tuscany, who was noted in particular for his ability as a draftsman and his use of foreshortening. His massive frescos…
