TINTORETTO
(b. 1518, Venezia, d. 1594, Venezia)

The Jews in the Desert (detail)

1592-94
Oil on canvas
San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice

The painting depicts several activities: three smiths and a cobbler, an embroiderer and a spinner, two washerwomen, and a merchant on the road with his overloaded donkey. Some people are putting their household goods on order, but there are others who are sleeping or doing nothing at all.

The figure of Moses right foreground, shown in conversation with Aaron, is intentionally made to resemble Christ.




© Web Gallery of Art, created by Emil Krén and Daniel Marx.