1239
tempera
metal
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Paradise with Christ in the Lap of Abraham is a 1239 tempera by German 13th Century, held at National Gallery of Art.
This painting shows a central figure holding a smaller person in his lap, surrounded by others in robes. Around them, small circles depict naked people in water. The colors are flat and bright—gold, blue, red, and green—with heavy black outlines. A palm tree grows behind the main group, and the whole scene is framed by thick red and blue borders. The smaller figure in the lap looks like a child, while the central man has a beard and a halo. The tiny circles show people bathing, which might symbolize rebirth or cleansing. Look up tempera to see how this paint was made.
This German artist from the 13th century painted tiny religious scenes on vellum, using gold leaf and bright colors.
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