Christ in the House of Simon c. 1700

Paolo Veronese created this pen and brown ink drawing, "Christ in the House of Simon," in Venice, Italy, during the late Renaissance. The drawing depicts a biblical scene within an opulent Venetian setting, complete with classical architecture and richly dressed figures. Veronese’s choice to place a religious scene in a contemporary, luxurious environment reflects the cultural values of Venice at the time. The Venetian Republic was a wealthy, cosmopolitan center, and its art often celebrated worldly pleasures and grandeur. This drawing also demonstrates the institutional context of art production. Veronese likely created it as a study for a larger painting or as a demonstration of his skills to potential patrons. Drawings like these were essential for artists to develop their ideas and secure commissions. To fully understand Veronese's artistic choices, scholars consult a variety of resources. These include period documents, architectural studies of Venice, and other drawings to reveal the dialogue between art, society, and the institutions that shaped its creation.