Artwork
John the Evangelist
John the Evangelist is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Palma Vecchio. It dates from 1528 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
John the Evangelist is a painting by Palma Vecchio, a Venetian artist, executed in oil paint.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts John the Evangelist, a biblical figure, as a bearded man in a red robe and green tunic, holding an open book. His calm expression and gentle pose convey a sense of serenity.
Technique & Style
The painting employs chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a three-dimensional effect. The artist's use of light emphasizes the subject's face and robe, making them stand out against the dark background.
History & Provenance
The painting was completed in 1528, the year of Palma Vecchio's death. It is now part of the collection at the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Palma Vecchio (c. 1480 – 30 July 1528), born Jacopo Palma, also known as Jacopo Negretti, was a Venetian painter of the Italian High Renaissance. He is called Palma Vecchio in English and Palma il Vecchio in Italian…
