Way to Emmaus c. 1440

abstract painting

possibly oil pastel

handmade artwork painting

oil painting

tile art

acrylic on canvas

underpainting

painting painterly

watercolour illustration

italy

watercolor

Bartolomeo di Tommaso's "Way to Emmaus" (c. 1440) depicts the biblical story of the resurrected Christ appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. This small panel painting, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases the artist's skill in capturing the moment with subtle details and a sense of quiet intimacy. The figures, set against a landscape background, exhibit the characteristic elegance and refinement typical of early Renaissance Italian painting. This work exemplifies Tommaso's early career, influenced by Florentine and Sienese styles.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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After Christ's death and ascension into heaven, he appeared to his disciples several times. On this occasion, he walked with two of them on their way from Jerusalem to the neighboring village of Emmaus. They did not recognize him until later at supper. Christ is dressed as a pilgrim, carrying a staff and wearing a broad-brimmed hat. The village of Emmaus is called castellum, or "castle" in Latin, and is therefore sometimes depicted as a fortified town. This panel and its companion, Pentecost, were originally the wings of a small portable altarpiece.