Jesus and the adulterous woman, 17th-century Romano-bolonese School

Late 17th century Romano-Bolonese school
In the manner of Jean Lemaire, known as "Lemaire-Poussin"
Expert : Cabinet Artéon.

Jesus and the adulterous woman (Episode from the Gospel according to Saint John)

Important and spectacular composition depicting the Gospel episode of the adulterous woman, in a vast setting of classical architecture inspired by Antiquity.

Christ, placed at the center of the scene, bends down to write on the floor while the crowd organizes itself around him in a succession of theatrical groups. Monumental architecture - colonnades, superimposed galleries, staircases and powerful perspective effects - occupies an essential place in the composition and directly evokes the world of Jean Lemaire, known as "Lemaire-Poussin", famous for his architectural whims and classical decor inspired by ancient Rome.

The work develops this Romano-classical aesthetic inherited from Nicolas Poussin and painters active in Rome in the second half of the 17th century: skilful balance of masses, scenographic depth, animated figures and dramatic lighting.

The warm palette with its tones of ochres, reds and bluish greys, as well as the multiplication of figures spread across the space, reinforce the narrative and decorative dimension of this beautiful Baroque composition.

With its scale and spectacular architecture, this canvas is a remarkable piece of classical decoration, highly representative of the Italianate taste of the late 17th century.