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Raising the Young Man of Nain by Paolo Veronese

Paolo Veronese · 1560-01-01

Paolo Veronese's Raising the Young Man of Nain (c. 1565-1570) from the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. This grand biblical scene by a master colorist hides a subtle detail about the world. Veronese, one of Venice's great painters, is known for his huge, vibrant canvases depicting feasts and miracles. This painting shows Christ reviving the son of the widow of Nain, a dramatic moment set against opulent architecture. Notice the elaborate Venetian attire of the figures, typical of the artist's time. But look closely at the background figures. Amidst the sacred drama, a man with a hammer continues his work, a quiet reminder of the ordinary world persisting even during divine intervention. It's a brilliant way Veronese anchors the miraculous in the everyday.

Details

His figures wear elaborate Venetian dresses.
His figures wear elaborate Venetian dresses.
But there is a man with a hammer.
But there is a man with a hammer.
His limp form and pale skin convey the transition from death to life.
His limp form and pale skin convey the transition from death to life.
Her posture of supplication and grief is palpable.
Her posture of supplication and grief is palpable.
Transcript

This scene is Jesus raising a man from death. Look at the grand architectural setting. Veronese painted this in 1565. He often painted large, crowded biblical feasts. His figures wear elaborate Venetian dresses. But there is a man with a hammer. His world goes on while a miracle happens.