An Allegory of the Old and New Testaments

An Allegory of the Old and New Testaments

Hans Holbein the Younger

1530

oil

From the collection of Scottish National Gallery

About this work

This painting is a rich tapestry of figures and symbols, set against a backdrop of a rocky landscape with trees and a distant village. In the foreground, a bearded man in a long robe gestures towards a nude figure, while another man in a red and white robe points towards the sky. The scene is filled with various objects and symbols, including a skull, a snake, and a cross. The painting's use of color and composition draws the viewer's eye through the scene, creating a sense of depth and narrative. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the intricate textures and expressions of the figures. To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the works of Hans Holbein the Younger.

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