Artwork

Zacharias gibt Johannes den Namen

Zacharias gibt Johannes den Namen, by Tobias Pock, unspecified, 1672
Zacharias gibt Johannes den Namen, by Tobias Pock, unspecified, 1672

Zacharias gibt Johannes den Namen is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Tobias Pock. It dates from 1672 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Zacharias gibt Johannes den Namen is a 1672 painting by Austrian Baroque artist Tobias Pock, created during his association with the Flemish Baroque movement. The work is characterized by its dense, colorful composition set against a dark backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a biblical scene where Zacharias names his son John (Johannes), surrounded by family and symbolic animals. The gathering includes Zacharias on a throne with a naming document, his wife, a young girl, and multiple infants, alongside a sheep and a bird, conveying a sense of sacred domesticity.

Technique & Style

Pock employed a vibrant palette and varied textures to achieve depth and atmosphere. The contrast between the dark setting and the brightly clad figures, along with the meticulous rendering of details, exemplifies Flemish Baroque influences on his style.

History & Provenance

Created in 1672, the painting is part of Pock's sacral oeuvre. After his training in Southern Germany, Italy, and settlement in Vienna around 1640, Pock focused on religious and historical themes. The work is now part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection.

Context

Reflecting Pock's background in both Southern German and Italian art, combined with Flemish Baroque tendencies, the painting situates itself within the broader European Baroque movement of the 17th century, emphasizing dramatic lighting and emotional intensity.

Legacy

While Pock is primarily remembered for his contributions to sacral painting in Vienna, *Zacharias gibt Johannes den Namen* showcases his ability to blend religious narrative with familial intimacy, contributing to the diverse tapestry of Baroque art in Europe.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Tobias Pock

Artist

Tobias Pock

Tobias Pock (or Poch, Bock or Pockh) (1609 – 12 June 1683) was an Austrian Baroque painter from Swabian descent, a pioneer of sacral art.