1765
oil
panel
From the collection of National Galleries Scotland
The Temptation of Our Lord is a 1765 oil by John Runciman, held at National Galleries Scotland.
This painting shows two men standing in a rocky landscape. The man on the right wears a pink robe and points upwards with his right hand. The man on the left wears a dark robe and points at the other man with his right hand. In the background, there are rocks, trees, and a body of water. The colors are muted, with shades of brown and gray dominating the scene. The painting appears to depict a biblical scene, with the two figures engaged in a dramatic moment. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and volume, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figures. The painting's style and composition suggest a strong narrative focus, inviting the viewer to explore the story being told. If you're interested in learning more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, you might want to look up the technique next.
John Runciman (1744 – 1768 or 1769) was a Scottish painter known for Biblical and literary scenes. His works include Flight into Egypt and King Lear in the Storm, both in the National Gallery of Scotland.
See the richer artist page
