Who painted A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century?

A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century was painted by Edwin Long in 1873.

Where can I see A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century?

A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century is held by Art Gallery of New South Wales.

What movement is A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century?

A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century?

Museum-quality prints of A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century

Edwin Long , 1873

A Dorcas meeting in the 6th century is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Edwin Long. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

About this work

Overview

Edwin Long’s 1873 oil canvas titled *A Dorcas Meeting in the 6th Century* depicts a tranquil interior scene of women gathered around a table. The composition is dominated by muted earth tones and soft illumination, creating a serene atmosphere that emphasizes communal activity. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates a group of women, clothed in long robes, engaged in a charitable gathering reminiscent of the biblical figure Dorcas, known for her acts of textile work and aid. Central to the scene is a seated woman holding a piece of fabric, drawing the attention of the standing figures, suggesting a shared purpose of generosity and fellowship.

Technique & Style

Long employs a restrained palette of ochres, browns, and subdued greens, rendered with careful brushwork that softens edges and enhances the sense of quiet intimacy. The high ceiling, decorative border, and a large peacock motif on the wall are rendered with modest detail, allowing the figures and their interaction to remain the focal point of the composition.

History & Provenance

Completed in 1873, the painting entered the collection of the Art Gallery of New South Wales, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the gallery’s 19th‑century interest in works that combine historical narrative with domestic genre scenes, illustrating Long’s reputation as a painter of historical subjects.

Context

Long’s interest in biblical and historical themes aligns with Victorian-era fascination with moralizing subjects. By situating the Dorcas episode in a 6th‑century setting, the artist merges scholarly reconstruction with contemporary Victorian values of charity and female solidarity, offering viewers a visual lesson in virtue through a historically imagined tableau.