Landscape with Tobias and the Angel
Oil
WallArt
Romanism
1521
Renaissance
880.0 x 452.0 cm
Kunstpalast
Van Scorel completed this extraordinary panorama landscape with the apocryphal story of Tobias and the Angel between his pilgrimage to the Holy Land and his arrival in Rome. It is considered a key work in his oeuvre and for landscape painting, a genre that was not then fully established. For the first time, the landscape functioned not just as the backdrop, but became the main theme in the painting, while the figures were confined to the wings. Van Scorel also drew on outdoor studies from his travel sketchbook. Tobias’ travels to heal his blinded father are traditionally construed as a spiritual trip and an example of faith in God and a love of one’s neighbors. Van Scorel depicts the struggle between Tobias and the fish, which at the behest of the Archangel Raphael (disguised as Asaryas) he throws onto the shore. The fish’s liver and gall are supposed to bring his father and his future bride Sarah salvation. Although Asaryas only later reveals himself to be an angel, here he already boasts wings. In the centre we see Sarah’s liberation from a demon. (Bettina Baumgärtel)
Jan van Scorel (1495 – 1562)
Explore Jan van Scorel's unique blend of Dutch & Italian Renaissance art! Discover his Romanist style, collaborations, & iconic works like 'Sippenaltar'. #arthistory #renaissance
Kunstpalast (Duesseldorf, Germany)
Abraham van Beyeren
About this artwork
- Title: Landscape with Tobias and the Angel
- Artist: Jan van Scorel
- Year: 1521
- Original dimensions: 880.0 x 452.0 cm
- Format: Panoramic
- Copyright status: Public domain
- Where to see it: Kunstpalast
- Period: Renaissance
- Medium type: WallArt
- Corpus context: key landscape work , spiritual pilgrimage symbolism
Quick Facts
- Notable elements: Panoramic landscape, outdoor studies
- Influences:
- Giorgione
- Italian Renaissance
- Artistic style: Dutch and Italian blend
- Movement: Romanist
- Title: Landscape with Tobias and the Angel
- Dimensions: 880 x 452 cm