Who painted Banquet at the House of Simon?

Bernardo Strozzi painted Banquet at the House of Simon in 1630.

What Bible passage does Banquet at the House of Simon depict?

Banquet at the House of Simon depicts the biblical scene from John 12:1-11.

Where is Banquet at the House of Simon located?

Banquet at the House of Simon is housed at Gallerie dell'Accademia, Campo della Carità, Dorsoduro 1050, Venice.

Banquet at the House of Simon by Bernardo Strozzi

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Bernardo Strozzi the last of the three painters who revitalized Venetian painting at the beginning of the 17th century, came to Venice from Genoa in 1631. In his works the artistic language of Fetti and Liss is developed in a more decorative style influenced by Veronese, with a robust exuberance of colour reminiscent of Rubens. Strozzi's admiration for Veronese even before leaving Genoa is evident in Banquet at the house of Simon, clearly inspired by the works of the great painter, even if the exuberant style is now clearly Baroque.

This is a late work that may have hung in the chapel of Palazzo Gorleri at Diano, Genoa. It combines the careful distribution of figures with attention to the functional details of the narrative. The architectural setting may hint at Veronese's banquet scenes.

The banquet table is set diagonally in the wide niche. There are two focal points to the composition: Christ defending Mary Magdalene and Simon leaning incredulously over the table. A dense, rich colour, vibrant with atmospheric luminosity renders the figures physically and spiritually alive. The close observation of detail has a post-Caravaggio realism in the brilliant depiction of the servant interrupting the scuffle between a dog and a cat, or of the page bearing a tray of fruit, silhouetted against the sky.

Details

Artist: Bernardo Strozzi
Created: c. 1630
Medium: oil on canvas
Dimension: 740cm × 272cm
Passage: John 12:1-11
Housed at: Gallerie dell'Accademia Campo della Carità, Dorsoduro 1050, Venice

Found in: John, John 12, 17th century, Mary Magdalene

John 12:1-11

1 Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

2 So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him.

3 Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.

4 Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said,

5 “Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?”

6 Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.

7 But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial.

8 For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.”

9 A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that he was there, and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

10 But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also,

11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

John 12:1-11 · World English Bible

The artist

Bernardo Strozzi

1581 - 1644

Genoa, Italy

Bernardo Strozzi, named il Cappuccino and il Prete Genovese (c. 1581 – 2 August 1644) was an Italian Baroque painter and engraver. A canvas and fresco artist, his wide subject range included history, allegorical, genre and portrait paintings as well as still lifes. Born and initially mainly active in Genoa, he worked in Venice in the latter part of his career. His work exercised considerable influence on artistic developments in both cities. He is considered a principal founder of the…