- Artists
USA
Netherlands
Netherlands
Poland
Spain
France 
Christ in the House of Mary and Martha
The painting depicts a biblical scene from the life of Jesus, showing the conflict between work and spiritual contemplation in the house of Mary and Martha. In the foreground, a cook is visible at a table with food, and in the background is a scene with Christ talking to Mary sitting at his feet, while Martha stands worried. The painting combines realistic details of a genre scene with a religious motif, which is characteristic of Velázquez's early work.
Portrait of the Creator
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Artist
Diego Velázquez
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Date of birth and death
Baptised on 6 June 1599 – Died 6 August 1660
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Natinality
Spanish
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Style
Baroque
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Significant works
The Surrender of Breda, Rokeby Venus, Portrait of Innocent X, Las Meninas, Las Hilanderas
Information about the work
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Year:
1620
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Execution technique:
Oil on canvas
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Location:
National Gallery, London, United Kingdom
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Theme:
religious painting, biblical scene, vita activa vs vita contemplativa, Baroque
Internal Narrative and Creative Framework
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Inner Narrative
The work symbolizes the conflict between spiritual and material life, showing the superiority of contemplation over activity, according to theological tradition and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The key to interpreting the work
In the analysis of the painting, attention should be paid to the contrast between the figures, use of chiaroscuro, and symbolism of kitchen elements and gestures of the characters that emphasize the deeper message of the work.See other works by this artist
The Virgin appearing to St Ildephonsus and giving him a robe
- Artist: Diego Velázquez
- Year: 1620
