Description
The painting Pentecost by the artist Jean II Retirout is a masterpiece of religious art from the 17th century. This large painting, with an original measurement of 465 x 778 cm, represents the moment when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and gave them the gift of speaking in tongues.
Retirout's artistic style is distinctly Baroque, with great attention to detail and rich ornamentation. The composition of the painting is very dynamic, with the apostles grouped around the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit, who is represented as a dove. The central figure of the Virgin Mary is particularly impressive, with her serene face and deep blue dress.
Color is another prominent aspect of the Pentecost painting. Retireout uses a rich and vibrant palette, with intense shades of red, blue and gold. The ornamental details, such as the acanthus leaves and flower garlands, are painted with great delicacy and realism.
The history of the painting is also very interesting. It was commissioned by the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral in 1650 and completed in 1654. The original painting was lost during the French Revolution, but several copies and engravings were made, allowing its dissemination.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that Retirout was not the first artist to be commissioned to paint the Pentecost scene for Notre-Dame Cathedral. Before him, other artists such as Simon Vouet and Philippe de Champaigne had tried to capture this scene, but their works were not considered satisfactory.
In short, Jean II Retirout's painting Pentecost is a masterpiece of Baroque religious art, with dynamic composition, a rich and vibrant palette, and impressive attention to detail. Its history and lesser-known aspects make it a fascinating work for lovers of art and history.