Who painted The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack?

The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack was painted by Nicolas Bertin in 1711.

Where can I see The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack?

The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack?

The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack is associated with French Classical Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack?

Museum-quality prints of The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack

Nicolas Bertin , 1711

The Finding of the Money in Benjamin's Sack is an oil painting by the French Classical Baroque artist Nicolas Bertin. It dates from 1711 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a lively outdoor gathering centered on a sack of coins, with figures in contemporary dress reacting with surprise and eagerness.

Nicolas Bertin’s oil painting The Finding of the Money in Benjamin’s Sack dates from around 1711 and is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. The work depicts a lively outdoor gathering centered on a sack of coins, with figures in contemporary dress reacting with surprise and eagerness. Warm tonalities and a softly lit landscape frame the scene, giving it a modest yet compelling presence.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates a moment of discovery, as a group of onlookers, some kneeling, others reaching out, celebrate the sudden appearance of a money‑filled sack. The narrative, drawn from the biblical episode of Benjamin’s hidden treasure, emphasizes themes of communal joy, sudden fortune, and the moral tension between greed and generosity, inviting viewers to contemplate the value of wealth in social contexts.

Technique & Style

Bertin employs a restrained chiaroscuro that models the figures with a gentle gradation of light and shadow, creating a sense of volume and spatial depth. The palette leans toward warm earth tones, and the soft illumination highlights the central sack, directing the eye toward the focal point. Brushwork is smooth and controlled, characteristic of early‑18th‑century French academic painting.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1711, the painting entered the holdings of the National Gallery of Ireland, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in French Baroque works and contributes to the broader representation of early modern European genre scenes within the institution’s collection.