Christus bei Maria und Martha,

um 1580

Material / Technology / Carrier

Leinwand

Dimensions of the object

200 x 132 cm

Displayed

AP OG Saal V

Department

Italienische Malerei

Genre

Malerei

Inventory number

4788

Acquisition

Erworben 1807 als Säkularisationsgut aus der Dominikanerkirche Augsburg

Stock

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München

Citation

Jacopo Tintoretto (Jacopo Robusti), Christus bei Maria und Martha, um 1580, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/5347Ok349e (Last updated on 24.08.2023)

The painting was donated by the Welser family for an altar in the Dominican church in Augsburg. This scene, which can be interpreted as an allegory of the dichotomy between vita activa and vita contemplativa, depicts Christ’s visit to Mary and Martha as described in the New Testament. His gesture shows that he is instructing Mary, who is listening attentively. Martha, who is looking after the guests, pushes herself into the centre of the picture. She laments her sister’s idleness. Jesus replies, as written in St Luke’s Gospel: “Mary hath chosen that good part”.