Supper at Emmaus

18th century

Follower of Francesco Fontebasso

Associated Names
Francesco Fontebasso

Related Artist, Venetian, 1709 - 1769

This is a painting depicting a group of figures around a table in an interior setting. The artwork shows a scene set in an arched stone room, featuring three figures seated at a table covered with a cloth, on which a single large chalice is prominently placed. An additional figure stands nearby, and another leans over the table. The expressions and gestures of the figures suggest an animated conversation or discussion, while a dog lies on the floor beneath the table. Visible at the table are items like pieces of bread or plates indicating a meal is taking place. The setting includes a stone archway, stairs leading upward, wooden doors, and a shelf with items such as bottles or jugs. The scene gives an impression of the past and has a sepia tone throughout the painting, achieved through the use of browns and whites. It is in the style of Rembrandt, with a dramatic use of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and realism.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink, brush and brown ink, and brown wash, heightened with white, on prepared laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Malcolm W. Bick

  • Dimensions

    overall (approximate): 51.5 x 40 cm (20 1/4 x 15 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1973.64.17


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Christian M. Nebehay, Vienna, by 1906); J.V. Novak (Lugt 1949); (Christian M. Nebehay, Vienna, c. 1969); Malcolm M. BIck, Springfield, MA, by 1973); gift to NGA in 1973.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1974

  • Recent Acquisitions and Promised Gifts: Sculptures, Drawings, Prints. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1974:206.

1990

  • Magrini, Marina. "Francesco Fontebasso-I disegni," Saggi e Memorie di Storiea dell'Arte 17, 1990: 168 note 17, 193, under no. 180.

Inscriptions

in later hand, upper center verso: 17.; lower right verso: XXI/4 h / #15

Wikidata ID

Q64562085

You may be interested in

Loading Results