a visit with jesus

 Bible Art

The Vision of St. Anthony of Padua
Artist: Murillo
 1656    Painting

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Murillo pictures St.Anthony  who was a Portuguese Catholic priest and member of the Order of Friars Minor.

Anthony was born and raised by a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, and died in Padua, Italy. Noted by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scripture, and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick, he was one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history.

This vast canvas marked a pivotal point in Murillo's career, establishing his name as one of premier religious painters in Seville. Completed in 1656, the painting is still in its original location: the baptismal chapel of Santa María de la Sede, Seville's cathedral. The picture is difficult to view, due to its size, the lack of available light, and the fact that visitors need to peer over the baptismal font from behind a stanchion to see it. Nevertheless, even today - while other versions of this popular subject can appear whimsical or saccharine - Murillo's interpretation of the saint's dream still inspires a sense of frozen awe.

The painting is oil on canvas and is in the  Collection of the Cathedral of Seville

The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon
Artist: Edward Poynter
 1890    Painting

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At some stage Solomon was visited by the Queen of Sheba, who wanted to satisfy her curiosity about his wisdom and the magnificence of the buildings he had erected. She came with a great camel train laden with gifts of spices, gold and precious stones. In return Solomon gave her ‘all she desired, whatever she asked, in addition to all he gave her of his royal bounty’.
Poynter has shown the moment of their first meeting. Solomon is regal, surrounded by his court and the many beautiful foreign wives and concubines who so alarmed the writers of the Bible story.
The throne room is magnificent, the steps to the throne guarded by twelve golden lions and the throne itself made of ivory overlaid with gold. The Queen of Sheba gestures towards the many exotic gifts she has brought for Solomon. Each monarch is clearly trying to impress the other – but Solomon seems to be winning.

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