Theodosius Repulsed from the Church by Saint Ambrose
1705
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1705
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
The painting shows a scene where Saint Ambrose is refusing communion to Emperor Theodosius. This event happened in 390 after a massacre. The artist's style is notable here - the brushwork is fluid and energetic, which adds to the scene's tension. The way the figures are arranged showcases the artist's skill, and to learn more about this style, look up the technique of chiaroscuro.
