Artwork

Martha reproving her sister Mary

Martha reproving her sister Mary, by Orazio Gentileschi, oil, 1620
Martha reproving her sister Mary, by Orazio Gentileschi, oil, 1620

Martha reproving her sister Mary is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Orazio Gentileschi. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

This subject embodies themes of contemplative devotion versus active service, reflecting Counter-Reformation emphases on interior piety and moral balance.

The painting depicts the biblical moment in which Martha gently rebukes her sister Mary for neglecting household duties in favor of listening to Jesus, a scene drawn from Luke 10:38-42. This subject embodies themes of contemplative devotion versus active service, reflecting Counter-Reformation emphases on interior piety and moral balance. Gentileschi’s composition emphasizes the contrasting gestures of the two women, using light and expression to highlight the spiritual lesson.

Technique & Style

Martha reproving her sister Mary is executed in oil paint on canvas, a standard support for Italian Baroque religious pictures of the early seventeenth century. The work measures 132.5 cm in height by 154.5 cm in width, giving it a roughly horizontal orientation suited to a multi-figure narrative scene. Its medium and handling place it firmly within the oil-on-canvas tradition that Orazio Gentileschi employed throughout his mature practice.

The painting is classified as a religious work and is associated with the Italian Baroque movement, reflecting the stylistic concerns of that period.

The canvas is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where its condition is maintained under institutional care.

History & Provenance

The painting was created by Orazio Gentileschi in 1620, executed in oil on canvas. Its dimensions are 132.5 by 154.5 centimeters.

The work is held by the Bavarian State Painting Collections and is housed at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany. The sources do not provide further details regarding the original commission, intermediate owners, or the chain of custody prior to its acquisition by the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

The painting Martha reproving her sister Mary by Orazio Gentileschi is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. It is currently located at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, Germany. Created in 1620, the work is executed in oil on canvas and measures 132.5 cm in height by 154.5 cm in width.

The provided sources do not contain specific inventory or accession numbers, nor do they list any past or current exhibitions for this artwork.

Overview

Created in 1620 by Orazio Gentileschi, this oil painting portrays a biblical episode in which Martha gently admonishes her sister Mary. The work belongs to the early Baroque period and is part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection. Its modest dimensions and restrained composition focus attention on the intimate exchange between the two figures.

Martha and Mary Magdalene
Martha and Mary Magdalene, Caravaggio

Artist & collection

Portrait of Orazio Gentileschi

Artist

Orazio Gentileschi

Orazio Lomi Gentileschi (Italian pronunciation: ; 1563 – 7 February 1639) was an Italian painter.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Martha reproving her sister Mary?

Martha reproving her sister Mary was painted by Orazio Gentileschi in 1620.

Where can I see Martha reproving her sister Mary?

Martha reproving her sister Mary is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Martha reproving her sister Mary?

Martha reproving her sister Mary is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Martha reproving her sister Mary?

Museum-quality prints of Martha reproving her sister Mary are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.