Who painted Christus und das kanaanitische Weib?

Christus und das kanaanitische Weib was painted by Nicolas Bertin in 1701.

Where can I see Christus und das kanaanitische Weib?

Christus und das kanaanitische Weib is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Christus und das kanaanitische Weib?

Christus und das kanaanitische Weib is associated with French Classical Baroque.

Artwork

Christus und das kanaanitische Weib

Nicolas Bertin , 1701

Christus und das kanaanitische Weib is an unspecified painting by the French Classical Baroque artist Nicolas Bertin. It dates from 1701 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1701 by French painter Nicolas Bertin, this religious canvas, titled Christus und das kanaanitische Weib, depicts a biblical encounter set within a forested clearing. The work is part of the collection of Munich’s Alte Pinakothek, where it is displayed among other Baroque-era pieces.

Subject & Meaning

The scene illustrates the moment when Jesus engages with a Canaanite woman seeking his aid, a narrative drawn from the Gospel of Matthew. The central figure, a robed man, represents Christ, while the seated woman extends her hand in supplication, emphasizing themes of faith and divine compassion across cultural boundaries.

Technique & Style

Bertin employs a chiaroscuro scheme, contrasting deep shadows with a soft, diffused illumination that bathes the figures in a gentle glow. The rendering of faces and drapery shows a polished finish, giving the textures an almost luminous quality that enhances the tranquil, contemplative atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings in the 19th century, becoming part of the museum’s extensive Baroque collection. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s interest in French religious art of the early 1700s, and it has remained on display since its arrival.

Context

Bertin worked during the late French Baroque period, a time when religious subjects were often rendered with dramatic lighting and emotive gestures. This work aligns with contemporary trends that favored intimate, narrative-driven compositions, while also showcasing the artist’s skill in balancing naturalistic detail with spiritual symbolism.