Ananias' død 1869 - 1872

"Ananias' død" (Ananias' Death) is a small oil sketch on paper by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, created between 1869 and 1872. This sketch, part of the Statens Museum for Kunst collection, depicts a scene from the biblical story of Ananias and Sapphira, where Ananias, having lied about the price of his land, is struck dead by God. Carpeaux's loose and expressive brushstrokes capture the dramatic moment of Ananias' death, creating a powerful and evocative composition. The sketch showcases Carpeaux's mastery of light and shadow, using muted tones to convey the solemnity of the scene. This work provides a glimpse into Carpeaux's artistic process, offering insights into his approach to composition and figure studies.