Artwork
Jakob am Brunnen
Jakob am Brunnen is an unspecified painting by the Mannerist artist Girolamo da Ponte. It dates from 1592 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.
About this work
Overview
Girolamo da Ponte, also known as Gerolamo Bassano, painted Jakob am Brunnen in 1592. Executed during the late Renaissance, the work exemplifies the Mannerist style that favored elongated forms and refined composition. The oil on canvas is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s collection in Vienna.
Subject & Meaning
The scene portrays the biblical episode of Jacob at the well, populated by figures in period costume and a flock of white sheep. The figures are arranged in a tranquil pose, suggesting a moment of rest and contemplation within the narrative.
Technique & Style
Da Ponte employs a muted palette of greens and browns, creating atmospheric depth through layered washes. The figures and animals are rendered with a smooth, stylized finish typical of Mannerist aesthetics, while the foliage and distant building add subtle texture.
History & Provenance
Born into the prolific Bassano workshop, Girolamo worked closely with his brother Giambattista and contributed to the family’s output of religious commissions. Jakob am Brunnen entered the Kunsthistorisches Museum’s holdings as part of its 19th‑century acquisition of Venetian paintings.
Artist & collection
Artist
Girolamo da Ponte also known as Gerolamo Bassano (3 June 1566 in Bassano del Grappa – 8 November 1621 in Venice) was an Italian painter of the Renaissance period.
