Description
The painting "Calling of the Apostles" by Renaissance artist Domenico Ghirlandaio is an impressive work found in the Tornabuoni Chapel in Florence, Italy. The work, which measures 349 x 570 cm, represents the moment when Jesus calls his apostles to follow him.
Ghirlandaio's artistic style is characterized by his attention to detail and his ability to portray people realistically. In this work, each of the apostles is depicted with a unique facial expression and distinctive gesture, bringing the scene to life and making it more realistic.
The composition of the painting is also very interesting. Ghirlandaio uses the technique of perspective to give depth and dimension to the scene. The eye is drawn from the foreground, where Jesus is calling the apostles, to the background of the painting, where the hills and the blue sky can be seen.
Color is another prominent aspect of the work. Ghirlandaio uses a rich and vibrant color palette, making the scene even more impressive. The gold and red tones in the characters' clothing contrast with the blue and green background, creating a stunning visual effect.
The story behind the painting is also interesting. It was commissioned by Giovanni Tornabuoni, a wealthy Florentine banker, to decorate the Tornabuoni family chapel in the church of Santa Maria Novella. The work was completed in 1481 and became one of Ghirlandaio's most important works.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that Ghirlandaio included several members of the Tornabuoni family in the work. The man standing behind Jesus is believed to be Giovanni Tornabuoni, and several of the apostles are also family members.
In summary, the painting "Calling of the Apostles" by Domenico Ghirlandaio is an impressive work that stands out for its artistic style, composition, color and the story behind its creation. It is a work that continues to captivate viewers to this day and is a leading example of Italian Renaissance art.